Dominica Day 1

The Clemson Geopaths team is in Dominica! Our mission today: to explore and mark out the best places for further study in the next two weeks. The first stop was this incredible cliff face right off the main road, which had clearly defined layers of large rocks and fine sediments of varying colors. The most interesting part about these layers was their direction. Usually sediment layers are found parallel to the ground, but here they are diagonal and even switch direction every few meters!

Dr. Moysey and Dr. Lazar discuss the unique features of these cliffs.  

Similar rock features continued to follow the road throughout Dominica, making it clear why so many geologists choose this island for their studies. Yet alongside the beautiful, vibrant features lie stories of a different nature. Tropical storms and hurricanes ravage the infrastructure, ecology and coastline – leaving behind devastation and permanent changes to the shape of the land.

Dr. Moysey explains how the river has changed over time, and how we can predict future changes.

A large section of geology dedicates itself to studying how coastlines are likely to change over time based on past events and predicted future ones. This sustainability focus includes recommendations on where to build new structures, and what may be done to preserve current ones.

The remains of a bridge built in 2015

A bridge immediately next to the previous destroyed bridge, built in 1921 and still functional! (But not built for cars to drive across.)

Clearly, there are some questions to be asked if a bridge built so recently can be destroyed while one almost 100 years older remains.

Emily investigates more evidence of storm damage in Dominica.

The later part of the day was spent in the water. We visited Toucari Beach and were able to snorkel out and find CO2 seeps. These seeps release streams of CO2 bubbles and are evidence of volcanic activity of Dominica.

We ended the day when afternoon thunderstorms chased us out of the water. As we headed back, we stopped for ice cream! We were able to try local flavors like banana, coconut, and passion fruit.

They were delicious! (left to right: Katrina, Emily and Stephanie)

(Sorry for the day-late update. The internet and power was down due to the lightning storms!)