Geo Lab · Virtual field trip
A virtual version of our Jabal Akhdar geology programme: five stops across the mountain’s rocks, structures, ancient environments and history.
Stop 1 of 5
From our programme
Starting point and a general explanation of the tour.
Interactive What’s ahead on this route
Pillow-shaped lava structures, preserved in the rock.
Mountains of metamorphic rock that look like the Moon’s surface.
A single view of the stratigraphy from oldest to youngest.
Stromatolite, snowball and travertine rock in Al Ain village.
Stop 2 of 5
From our programme
Pillow-shaped lava structures, preserved in the rock.
What the geologist sees
When basalt lava erupts under water, its surface chills instantly into a skin; lava pushes out in rounded lobes that pile up as “pillows”. Pillow shapes are evidence of an underwater eruption.
Simplified model How pillows form
Learning challenge
Pillow lavas show that the lava erupted…
Pillow shapes form when lava is quickly chilled by water.
Approved photograph of Metamorphic rock outcrop needed
Scientific illustration Concept sketch: heat and pressure change a rock without melting it, lining its minerals up. Not a photograph of this stop.
Stop 3 of 5
From our programme
Mountains of metamorphic rock that look like the Moon’s surface.
What the geologist sees
Metamorphic rocks are existing rocks transformed by heat and pressure without melting. Their minerals often grow aligned, giving the rock a layered texture.
Simplified model Add heat and pressure
Learning challenge
Metamorphic rocks form when existing rocks are…
Melting would make magma; metamorphism changes rocks while they stay solid.
Approved photograph of Full super-sequences view needed
Simplified geological model Simplified column: glacial and carbonate Precambrian rocks, the angular unconformity, then Permian and Triassic limestones and young travertine. Not a photograph of this stop.
Stop 4 of 5
From our programme
A single view of the stratigraphy from oldest to youngest.
Simplified model Read an eroded dome
Learning challenge
In an eroded dome, where do the oldest exposed rocks appear?
Erosion cuts deepest into the core of the fold, exposing the oldest layers in the middle.
Stop 5 of 5
From our programme
Stromatolite, snowball and travertine rock in Al Ain village.
Learning challenge
Stromatolites were built by…
Layer by layer, mats of microbes trapped and bound fine sediment.
Journey complete
Answer the learning challenges along the way to see your score.
Now see it for real — with our guides, on the rocks themselves.
A WhatsApp message is an enquiry, not a confirmed booking. Our team will reply to confirm availability, details and the programme. Experiences depend on sky and weather conditions.
See it for real
Seven stops from the ophiolite to the Sifah eclogite.
Book Muscat Geology Tourbooking enquiry via WhatsApp (opens WhatsApp in a new tab)Five stops from Coral Park to the cultural hike in Al Ain village.
Book Jabal Akhdar Geology Tourbooking enquiry via WhatsApp (opens WhatsApp in a new tab)Hands-on geology for students, on campus or in the field.
Request a School Geology Experiencebooking enquiry via WhatsApp (opens WhatsApp in a new tab)A private geology field trip for your group or university.
Enquire About a Private Geological Field Tripbooking enquiry via WhatsApp (opens WhatsApp in a new tab)A WhatsApp message is an enquiry, not a confirmed booking. Our team will reply to confirm availability, details and the programme. Experiences depend on sky and weather conditions.
