The Geology of Darling State Park

Cover picture: View of Burke Mountain (center, background). Picture taken toward the northeast from State Route 114, about 5 miles south of East Burke.
By HARRY W. DODGE, JR.
VERMONT GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Charles G. Doll, State Geologist
DEPARTMENT OF FORESTS AND PARKS Robert B. Williams, Commissioner
DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES
1967
Figure 1. Map showing the location of Burke Mountain (Darling State Park), and mountain peaks which can be seen from the summit of Burke Mountain.
By HARRY W. DODGE, JR.
Both the professional and amateur naturalist will find Darling State Park extremely interesting. This pamphlet is devoted primarily to the geology of the park, but the fauna and flora of this area present the visitor with days of interesting studies. It is hoped that in the near future pamphlets describing these aspects of Darling State Park will be published.
Before discussing the more detailed aspects of the geology of Darling State Park, certain basic geologic concepts must be explained. But, even before such a discussion, it might be best to clarify the position of geology among the many other, and oftentimes interrelated, sciences.
The basic reason for the science of geology might be said to be twofold; one is economic, the other related to Man’s basic curiosity. In the first, the geologist through the use of his knowledge of the earth’s rocks, locates those indispensable minerals and fuels without which our advanced society and technology could not exist. In the second, the geologist tries to unlock the many mysteries within the earth’s crust merely to satisfy a thirst for knowledge and to pass such knowledge on to his fellow man. These two basic reasons complement each other and allow continued advancements in geology, both as a pure science and as a primary economic aid to the nation.
As found in most spheres of present-day scientific endeavor, the geologist relies heavily on other related sciences for insight into problems at hand. A basic knowledge, and oftentimes an advanced knowledge, of physics, chemistry, mathematics and zoology, to name only some, are needed before the geologist can approach many of his own problems. It might be obvious to you by now, but a geologist will be certainly included in the first scientific party to journey to the moon and planets.