To promote a wider interest in the science of geology through organised lectures, field excursions and social activities.
To provide a link between the amateur, the student, the teacher and the professional geologist.
To foster interest in geological sites within the area with a view to their study and wise conservation.
To establish and maintain good relations with organisations that have common interests.

 

 

 

 
 
 

 

 
 

As you drive south along the D119 in the Department of Arieze in France one notices that the green and pleasant valley seems to be closing in with a large cliff looming in front. The driver expects some hairpin bends will appear around the corner to allow him out of the valley. His anticipatory gear change is, however, wasted.

 

 Round the corner appears a huge cave! This is the Grotte du Mas d'Azil and the road runs through it for 420 metres. Soon one is on the other side of the cliff. The river Arize runs through, and has cut, the cave. The cave is huge and has plenty of space for road, river, museum, prehistoric remains and lots of awe-struck tourists. Nearby is a valley through which the river used to run. An admirable introduction to the geology can be found here.

 

The northern entrance to the cave

 

The southern entrance

 

At the southern entrance the road has had its passage eased by a short man-made tunnell

 

And it makes a very nice picnic spot!