Directions: Outcrop is on the right side of the westbound side of Rt. 603 just before the main intersection with Rt. 600. Parking is very tight and 2 or 3 vehicles can just fit into the narrow shoulder on the left side. As always, be careful of the traffic. As with many of the stops in this fieldtrip, there are blind curves at the ends of the road, and cars come through rather FAST.

Taken from the WHITETOP MOUNTAIN, VA, 1:24,000 quadrangle, 1959, Rev. 1978

Once you are safely across the road, go over to the outcrop and examine the rocks behind the spot where the lady in the picture to the right is standing. The pictures below will give you clues as to what exactly you are looking for as you answer the questions.

Geology preview: rocks here are of the Konnarock Formation similar to that of the last stop. The featured rock is again the monotonous maroon mud and greenish gray silt of the late Proterozoic lake. Take a good close look at the layering. But what's this? Note the large rounded stones. The stones are isolated, surrounded by the fine sediment, and don't appear to be a part of a turbidity current.

QUESTION 1:

Note the fine banding evident in the outcrop. As discussed at stop 2, the fine laminations represent quiet lake conditions. But also note the larger gravel pieces embedded in the thin layers. How did these large stones get transported here if it was so quiet? Answer

QUESTION 2:

The stones are composed of what type of rock? (Hint: we have seen this rock before.) Answer