A new geological field guide to Kalgoorlie and the surrounding area, produced by Earth Science Western Australia (ESWA), John Bunting and Peter Muhling; was officially launched Tuesday 19 March at the Australian Resources Research Centre, in Kensington WA.
The guidebook, A Geological Field Guide to Kalgoorlie and Surrounds, is the third of its kind in Western Australia, with previous books showcasing Perth and surrounds and the Capes region of the Southwest.
Guests attending the launch event included; field guide contributors, members of ESWA’s Board and sponsors, representatives of various educational authorities, teachers and interested parties.
As with the popular A Field Guide to Perth and Surrounds and A Geological Field Guide to the Capes Region of Southwest WA volumes, this guide is the first comprehensive guide of the Kalgoorlie area to be written for a broader audience. It can be used by teachers in supporting Earth and Environmental Science field work, but also by professionals, hobbyists and tourists alike.
“The guide will allow students, teachers, geologists, enthusiasts and tourists to explore the exceptional geology of the Kalgoorlie region, armed with the tools needed to make the most of their visit,” said ESWA Chief Executive Officer Jo Watkins.
The much anticipated guide was well received by launch attendees, with much discussion and reminiscing on visits to the Goldfields. A field trip for Earth and Environmental Science teachers is planned for later this year, to visit some of the locations within the guide and learn more about the local geology.
This A5, 205 page, spiral bound, full colour volume was authored by John Bunting and Peter Muhling and coordinated and published by ESWA. Production of the guide was made possible by funding from the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (WA Branch), Geoconferences (WA) Inc., the Geological Society of Australia (WA Branch) and the Petroleum Exploration Society of Australia.
Each of the ten locations within the guide provide an access map, safety notes, an overview of the general geology, a detailed map with featured geological units and stops marked in, and step-by-step descriptions of each unit or feature with diagrams and photos. This is all supported by introductory notes and maps and a comprehensive glossary.
Copies of the guide can be purchased for $54.00 (including postage) from ESWA, or for nominated prices from the publications counter of the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (First Floor, Mineral House, 100 Plain Street, East Perth WA) and Boffins Books (88 William Street, Perth WA).