Darrel gave to the group an overview of regional Amargosa geology, including a general timeline of 1.7 billion years to the present, early life on earth and its recording in layers delineated on the interpretive sign next to the museum.
Darrel presented the Great Unconformity, where younger sediments in the Crystal Spring Formation were deposited on 1.7 billion year old basement rocks
Stromatolites are the rock record of microbial films that photosynthesized and added to the oxygen in Earth’s ancient atmosphere
Ross Dykman, steward of the Tecopa Noonday, War Eagle, and Columbia mines, displaying and interpreting century old miner graffiti, in this case indicating displeasure with the political regime of the 1920βs. There were many such examples throughout the Noonday mine that we toured. It was like a time capsule. Several displays of artifacts, such as rills, carbide lamps, and everyday miner essentials were carefully laid out. We got to experience what it was like to mine with candlelight and Ross gave the tour with a carbide lamp that he revived.
Ross displaying exposed Galena (lead and silver mix) along the Noonday mine. Participants each had an opportunity to view and hold samples extracted from deeper levels. Examples of smooth wall surfaces due to slide faulting were also pointed out.
The post-event reception meal consisted of salad, bugers, hot dogs, charcuterie, finger sandwiches, and other handheld munchies. Everyone enjoyed ending a terrific day with yummy food and drinks.