Topic: "Sick and Sulphur" - Formation to
Excavation of Porcellanite Deposits.
Presenter: Mr. Hasley Vincent , Geologist - Ministry of Energy
Abstract
The Trinidad Express headline story of November 1st 2003 told of sulphur emissions in the Chatham area, Southwest
Trinidad which led residents to postulate volcanic activity. Further investigations revealed that the emissions
were due to burning lignite, a common phenomena in the Southwest Peninsula that leads to the formation of burnt
clays and sandstones known as 'porcellanites'.
The discussion will review the chronology of events surrounding this occurrence, which provided the opportunity
to observe the 'real time' formation of porcellanite deposits. The association of porcellanite deposits with lignite
was examined by the mapping of the gross depositional environment associated with five porcellanite outcrops (four
in the Southwest Peninsula and one in Fishing Pond). That exercise confirmed the association of porcellanite outcrops
with lignite beds, supporting the existing theories for the formation of these spectacular rocks. A brief review
of these theories, the significance of porcellanite rocks and its uses will follow.
Biography
Hasley Vincent is presently employed as a Geologist with the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries. Prior to
that he was employed at the Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago. He is a graduate of the University of the
West Indies, Mona and Imperial College of London.
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