OGS May Field Trip to the Arbuckles (1-day)
Field Trip Details
The Oklahoma Geological Survey is coordinating a field trip led by our Energy team and Field Geology team. This exciting one-day field trip will help geologists apply field observations to subsurface exploration and drilling.
Stop # |
Location |
What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
1 |
OK‑77D Roadcut | Overview of regional structure in the Arbuckle area; observe Sylvan Shale, Hunton Group, and Sycamore outcrops; discuss contacts, lithology differences, fossils, karst features, and relation to Woodford stratigraphy. |
2 |
Overturned Woodford Outcrop | Examine overturned Woodford bedding, deformation features, and fracture patterns. |
3 |
I‑35 Roadcut | Observe Hunton, Woodford, and Sycamore outcrops; contacts, lithologies, stratigraphy, fractures, geomechanics/TOC insights, reservoir implications, and drilling considerations for Woodford and Sycamore. |
Lunch |
Davis, OK | Smokin' Joes |
4 |
McAlister Cemetery – Ardmore City | Examine complete Woodford section; contacts, organic richness, phosphate nodules, and key stratigraphic features, and short debrief. |
Field Trip Leaders:
The field trip will be led by Dr. Benmadi Milad (OGS), and Dr. Tom Stanley (OGS).
Transportation:
We will depart from Norman in the morning in OU vehicles, spend the day in the Arbuckle Mountain region, and return to Norman at the end of the day. You will be able to park your vehicle in our OU Faculty/Staff lot for the day for free.
Prior to the trip, you'll be asked to sign a field trip waiver. More details to come.
Length:
This is a one-day trip.
- Thursday, May 14, 2026
We will depart from Norman, OK around 7:00am, and return to Norman by approximately 6:00pm.
Cost:
The cost of the one-day field trip includes transportation from Sarkeys Energy Center (OU Campus), snacks, lunch, and a field guide.
- Students: $75
- Professional Geologists: $150
Sponsorship:
We are always appreciative of any financial support from companies that are willing and able to support the efforts of the Oklahoma Geological Survey. Sponsorship allows us to keep our expenses minimal, and often free for Oklahomans. If your company is interested in sponsoring this one-day field trip, please email Dr. Molly Yunker to discuss the options below, or another option entirely.
Name |
Amount |
Benefits to Company |
|---|---|---|
"Wildcatter" |
$500 | 1 free attendee on field trip, logo in printed field guide and on website |
"Roughneck" |
$1,000 | 2 free attendees on field trip, logo in printed field guide and on website |
"Gusher" |
$1,500 | 3 free attendees on field trip, logo in printed field guide and on website |
Registration:
You must be 18+ to register. We are limiting the number of participants to 20 people. Once the trip is filled, we'll start a waiting list in case of individual cancellations.
REGISTER HERE
If there is still a space available for you, we will email you within 48 hours to confirm and ask you to complete payment information to secure your spot on the trip. Until you complete payment, your spot will not be reserved, even if you have completed this registration form.
If there is no longer an available space, we will add you to the waiting list and let you know your position on that list. Should a spot become available, you'll be contacted to find out if you're still interested and at that time, you'll be asked to complete payment information to secure your spot.
What to Expect:
There is light hiking and minimal climbing (not strenuous) involved in this field trip. Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support is recommended. A more-detailed list of items to bring will be sent at a later date to those who register to ensure you're prepared for the day.
Cancellation Policy:
If you need to cancel your registration, you may do so up to 21 days prior to the field trip date for a full refund minus $30.
- For Thursday 5/14/26, the deadline to cancel is 4/23/26.
Email Dr. Molly Yunker (yunker@ou.edu) with any questions or accomodations.
