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The Geologic Setting of Dumbarton Oaks

December 12, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. in the Lower Level Refectory | Joe Marx

Wooded trail in Montrose Park, September 2016
Wooded trail in Montrose Park, September 2016

The sediments and bedrock of upper Georgetown bear witness to both ancient and quite recent geologic events. Two ocean basins are involved: one still existing, the other long vanished. The geological history will be outlined in a one-hour presentation in the Study of the Main House at Dumbarton Oaks. Afterwards, the rocky evidence will be examined during a two-hour walk in Montrose Park and nearby Rock Creek Park. Just bring your curiosity, no background knowledge is assumed.

Joe Marx worked in the field of computer programming and analysis for more than twenty-five years. In 2001, bored with telling computers what to do, he started a second career in geological education. He taught physical and historical geology for 15 years at Northern Virginia Community College, from which he is now retired. He still leads field trips to areas of local geological interest for the college, as well as for the Audubon Naturalist Society (ANS). In addition, he teaches continuing-education courses in geology, chemistry and forest ecology for ANS.