1) ABSTRACT

During the 1990-91 field season three geologists from Victoria University's Beacon studies project revisited Allan Hills, an area where Beacon Supergroup sediments are exceptionally well exposed. The party also included a paleoclimatologist from the University of Adelaide and a sedimentologist from the University of Illinois.

The project was extremely successful, meeting all of its original objectives and discovering unexpected geological features. A 1:20,000 geological map was completed to draft stage, as was an accompanying text. A remarkable Permian fossil forest was documented and samples collected for paleoclimate studies. About 10,000 anchient river flow directions were measured, which along with lithologic observations have provided the basis for a more realistic model to explain the presence of sandstone sheets in meandering river complexes. Evidence was found of glaciers still existing in highlands to the east of Allan Hills during the period that the forest flourished. New field data suggest a previously unrecorded glaciation in Early to Mid-Jurassic times.

Allan Hills exposures are far more significant than originally anticipated. The Weller Coal Measures are superbly exposed and contain abundant fossil trees many in upright position. In addition the area contains the only known occurrence of large fossil trees in the Feather Conglomerate. These and other features have led to a proposal that part of Allan Hills be managed as a Specially Protected Area.