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A Geoscience Tour of Massachusetts
Welcome
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This is one part of a larger section of Daukas.com representing a collection of materials I have created over the years for courses I've taught, research conducted for my graduate studies, seminars I've given, etc. The information here should prove useful to students studying the Earth Sciences, and more generally to those who are curious about how our planet Earth works. Those who live in and near Massachusetts will find information relating to local landforms and processes of particular interest.
As time passes, I will be adding content to this site in the form of HTML presentations, digital photographs, and reference materials & sites. I hope you find this information of value.
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Introduction
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From The Connecticut River Valley To The Cape Code Canal...
The purpose of this part of the site is to gain a geoscience perspective of Massachusetts by examining its Geology, Climate and Meteorology, current Environmental condition and challenges, and the Ocean Sciences of its eastern shores, including how Astronomy influences local tides and rivers.
From complex geology in the CT River Valley in the west to ocean-influenced weather and coastal processes to the east, Massachusetts offers varied opportunities to study geoscience in a rather geographically small area.
This 7-day field trip is based in the centrally located city of Westborough, where the majority of the destination sites are within a ~60 minute drive. This itinerary is designed to be followed during astronomical summer (June 21st - September 22nd). Although this itinerary can be followed during Spring and Fall seasons with the possible benefit of improved visibility from lack of foliage, weather conditions become a convincing argument against doing so.
Using the navigation area on the left of this page, you can acess each day's background information and virtual field trip, as well as useful web sites and a list of references. Each day is structured with a "home" page, a "background" page, and a virtual "field trip" page. Details of what you can expect and what equipment you should have with you are at the top of each "field trip" page.
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Overview
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The tour begins and ends in greater Boston, to provide a well-known starting location, and to accomodate any air travel requirements for participants. As previously mentioned, the remainder of the tour visits selected areas across the state (see IMAGE 1 below), with a centrally located "base camp" near Worcester (location "2").
IMAGE 1 - Tour Locations by Day
Modified From: massachusetts-map.org
We begin the tour by examining climate and weather to better understand its influences on coastal and interior portions of the Massachusetts, and to better prepare for the severals days spent out in the field, and complete the tour at the Boston's Museum of Science. Subsequent days will traverse the Commonwealth as we visit selected locations. A brief itinerary is described below:
Day 1: Focus - Region's Weather & Climate
Participants arriving at Boston's Logan International Airport should be ready to depart the airport by 10 AM. We will take a van/limmo service to the first stop of the trip - the Blue Hill Meteorological Observatory. After eating lunch at the observatory, we will begin the afternoon with a detailed tour of the observatory, then participate in gathering weather measurements and attend a workshop in weather forecasting. This is the oldest continuously operated weather observatory in the US and offers historical data that will be examined to gain a basic understanding of the regional climate. We will then drive to Westborough, MA, check into a local hotel, meet at ~7:00 PM in the hotel lobby for dinner (nearby), and preview the remainder of the week.
Day 2: Focus - Blackstone River: Watershed, Geology & Environmental
8:00 AM in hotel lobby for breakfast and review of weather data for the day. We will depart the hotel by 9:00 AM for ~20 minute drive to the Audubon Society's Broad Meadow Brook Center to tour the center and get an overview of the Blackstone River and environs. We will have lunch at Broad Meadow Brook, and then depart for the Upper Blackston Water Pollution Abatement District for a tour of the water treatment facilities. After touring the plant, we will proceed through the Blackstone Valley Historic District to visit Fisherville Mill, a representative location of the several reclamation projects on the river. There, we will discuss environmental issues, examine monitoring stations, discuss the impact of weather events on the river. We will return to the hotel in the early evening, and meet for dinner in the hotel lobby and discuss the day's events.
Day 3: Focus - Ecoregions
8:00 AM in hotel lobby for breakfast and review of weather data for the day. We will depart the hotel by 9:30 AM for several stops showing invasive species (e.g., Purple Loosestrife) in Northborough and Shrewsbury, and then arrive at Fisher Museum Harvard Forest in Petersham, MA to participate in an interpretive tour highlighting on-going long-term research examining ecological dynamics in the New England region resulting from natural disturbances, global warming, and human impacts.
Day 4: Focus - Geology & Historical Geology
7:00 AM in hotel lobby for breakfast and review of weather data for the day. We will depart the hotel by 8:15 AM for ~1hr drive to the Connecticut River Valley for a tour of the geology of the valley from the Pleistocene to the present day. We will examine an ancient waterfall, delta, and discuss Glacial Lake Hitchcock. We will have lunch in the field (Greenfield, MA). We will return to the hotel in the early evening, and meet for dinner in the hotel lobby, discuss the day's events, identify rock samples, etc.
Day 5: Focus - Astronomy
8:00 AM in hotel lobby for breakfast and review of weather data for the day. We will depart the hotel by 9:15 AM for ~40 minute drive to the Haystack Observatory. After a tour of the facility and a discussion of Geodesy and GPS, we will drive to the EcoTarium's planetarium in Worcester to view an astronomy program covering the night sky visible from the local latitude. We will return to the hotel in the afternoon to prepare for an evening viewing of the night sky. Dinner will kick-off the evening's activities followed by a "star party" at a nearby location.
Day 6: Focus - Cape Cod Canal, Coastal landforms, Tides, etc.
7:00 AM in hotel lobby for breakfast and review of weather data for the day. We will depart the hotel by 8:15 AM for the ~1hr drive to the Cape Cod Canal, located within the coastal eco-region of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This region is commonly called "The Cape and Islands" by locals, but we will view this area from the perspective of its origins as a terminal glacial moraine, how this coastal zone has changed over time, and examine coastal landforms resulting from the contruction of the Canal.
Day 7: Focus - Natural Hazards
7:00 am in hotel lobby for breakfast and review of Field Trip. We will depart the hotel by 8:00 am for the ~1hr drive to Boston where we will visit Boston's Museum of Science and attend two programs: Destination Moon in the Charles Hayden Planetarium where a 45 minute presentation explores the geological history of the Moon, its phases and eclipses, and its influence on Man through history. We will then attend a 50 minute presentation of Forces of Nature at the Mugar Omni Theater, a 5-story tall Imax Dome. This program highlights two of the focus areas of this Virtual Field Trip, Geology and Meteorology, in the context of natural hazards. Those departing the area from Boston's Logan International Airport should plan for an afternoon flight.
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What To Pack
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Summer in Massachusetts - What To Expect
Mark Twain said "If you don't like the weather in New England, just wait a few minutes." With that in mind, layering is the key to being outdoor for extended periods in this area. A water resistant shell is a must, and a light-weight sweatshirt will come in handy, especially at the coast, but also at higher elevations in the western part of the state. The topography and forests often limit visibility, so storms can appear with little warning. Be prepared to carry out what you carry into a location - food and trash must not be left behind - and take extra water, food, and especially medications, in case you're itinerary is disrupted.
What To Pack
The little things often prove to be the problem! Don't forget chargers for electronic equipment, emergency contact information, and prescription medications. Make sure you have enough clothing in case you can't get to a laundry (hotel bathtubs make an excellent old-fashioned washtub) and consider the advantages of synthetic attire (e.g., fast drying). Banks and ATMs are ubiquitous, but having some cash on-hand can prove useful too.
Hiking Gear
Although you will not be "backpacking", a day pack is recommended for the various items you will want to have with you. You should be properly outfitted for being outside for an entire day. Please be sure you have the following:
• Comfortable hiking boots, so-called "day hikers" will suffice
Appropriate beach footware will be necessary - you will not be able to
go barefoot in several locations
• Suitable clothing for 50°F - 90°F conditions
Appropriate beach attire will be necessary - plan on getting wet!
• Water
• Extra socks
• Rain gear
Rain or shine - be prepared! Severe Weather in this area is rather
short-lived, so it is very likely, should a storm pass by, we will be working
in the rain. Indeed, weather is part of the tour, and a passing Tstorm
would be ideal to avoid!
• Sun Block
• Water
• Insect Repellent
• Snacks
• Water
• Personal First-Aid Kit
Think blisters, sun burn, poison ivy, etc.
• Prescription Medications
• Emergency Contact Information
Equipment
In addition to the items listed above, you should also have the following equipment with you during the field trip:
• Compass
• Your copy of selected Massachusetts topo/road maps (provided)
• Notebook & Pens/Pencils
• Flashlight
Preferrably equipped with a red filter
• Planisphere
• Your copy of Roadside Geology of Massachusetts
• Your copy of selected Sky Charts (provided)
• Your copy of daily Meteorological maps (provided)
The following items will come in handy, but are not required:
• Rock Hammer
• Extra batteries, flashlight bulbs, etc.
• Camera, Memory Cards or Film,
• Binoculars
• Cell Phone
For emergency purposes.
• GPS / FRS / Weather Radio, etc.
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Accomodations
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Hotel
We will be staying at the Westborough, MA, Comfort Inn located on MA Route 9 (a.k.a. the Boston Turnpike) near to Interstate 90 (a.k.a the Massachusetts Turnpike), Interstate 495, Interstate 290, and Interstate 190. This location is approximately 45 minutes west of Boston (non-rush hour).
Within walking distance of the hotel is a local restaurant and a McDonalds (see below), and both WalMart and Target (with Pharmacies). Within a short drive are two "strip malls" with stores including Lowe's, Radio Shack, Stop 'n Shop, various sandwich shops, a book store, etc.
Restaurants
A short walk across the hotel parking lot is the Weat Side Grille, and very nearby are many restaurants including JJ's Sports Pub, Applebee's, Bertucci's, Boston Market, D'Angelo's, Friendly's, Harry's Diner, Mandarin Westborough, several fast-food offerings, and many local sandwich, pizza, and speciality shops.
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