Discovering Archosaur tracks in Emosson by geologist Serge Drouet

Departure from the Emosson dam (Swiss Valais), climb up to the gneiss bedrock, discover the Mesozoic stratigraphic series, read the landscape including the Morcles nappe, discover traces of Archosaurs, unconformity and desiccation cracks.

This outing begins by crossing the crest of the Emosson dam (Swiss Valais). It will take you to the site where footprints dating back more than 240 million years were discovered in 1976. You'll first climb the gneiss bedrock dating from the Hercynian era, then cross a series of Mesozoic rocks to reach the site of the archosaur footprints. On this walk you'll discover many geological curiosities (unconformities between formations of different ages, soil desiccation cracks...), as well as a rich geological landscape, including the Morcles nappe which moved over the bedrock during the Alpine uplift. This geological itinerary takes in 750 m of ascent and 12.5 km of stony terrain. It is for good walkers only.

RDV: 9am, at the top of the Emosson dam parking lot (Swiss Valais)
Maximum 12 participants - Registration and payment on https://www.helloasso.com/associations/association-des-reserves-nationnales-des-aiguilles-rouges-arnar/evenements/arnar-sortie-jeudi-21-aout-decouverte-des-traces-d-archosaures-a-emosson

Allow 5 hours' walking plus 2 hours' discussion in the field.
Picnic and summer hiking equipment (poles and sturdy shoes for walking on stony ground).