I admit it. I’m geocentric. Not in the old-fashioned sense, I’m not that eccentric. I don’t believe the earth is the physical centre of the universe, but it certainly feels that way. The universe, space, the wonders of the solar system are all very well, but emotionally they are all ‘out there’ somewhere. A Twentieth… Continue reading What came from outer space
Eclogite: mysterious visitor from the deep
Fifty kilometres is not far. World-class marathon runners run 42km in a little over 2 hours. They only move along the earth’s surface though. Getting to 50 kilometres below your feet is a different thing entirely. It’s a place of crushing pressure and meltingly high temperatures, somewhere human beings will never go. There is a… Continue reading Eclogite: mysterious visitor from the deep
How old is plate tectonics?
Plate tectonics is the process that underpins much of our understanding of the Earth. It explains manymany aspects of the Earth, from magnetic patterns in oceanic rocks to the distribution of plants and animals. How unusual is it? Well, it doesn’t seen to be happening on other rocky planets in our solar system. Many geologists… Continue reading How old is plate tectonics?
Orford Ness – nuclear bombs and gravel ridges
Suffolk in England is a peaceful part of a peaceful country. But if you know where to look, between its pretty villages, sandy beaches and open countryside there are many traces of war and violence. Often full of paddling children, the sea eats towns. From an historical perspective, whether they are French, Spanish, German, Dutch or… Continue reading Orford Ness – nuclear bombs and gravel ridges