On a Sunday in mid-May, members of the London Section Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) had the opportunity to meet in an informal setting and share their geological experiences at one of the most significant geological settings in southern England. Located 20 miles west of BP’s Wytch Farm oil field, Lulworth cove is the most visited geological site in Britain. John Weston of Gaffney Cline & Assocs. kindly agreed to guide the group.
Lulworth cove shows excellent exposures of folded Jurassic and Cretaceous strata such as Portland stone, Purbeck limestones and shales, and Wealden maerls. From a tectonic point of view, the site reveals the well-preserved Purbeck monocline, caused by a tectonic inversion in what is now the English Channel.
The day was organized so that 12 ELP members from operating and service companies in attendance could informally share experiences. All the effort expended in the cold was finally rewarded when the group gathered around a meal at one of the finest local pubs. The trip received extremely positive feedback from all the participants as well as from the SPE London Section, and it will be implemented as an annual event on the London ELP calendar.
This event was the best way to conclude this second busy season of activities for the London ELP. Throughout the year, visits and technical presentations have been organized both in and outside of London. These promotional and educational efforts will continue in the next season, strengthening ties among SPE, oil and gas companies, service companies, and universities.
London Section ELP members gathered around guide John Weston in front of Purbeck monocline, Lulworth cove.
