One of my most valuable learning experiences as a Geology undergraduate was a first-year tutorial with the legendary Harold Reading. We were give an academic paper to write about (concerning alluvial fans) and we dutifully did so, showing we understood it, but simply taking it at face value, applying no critical analysis. Discussing what we’d… Continue reading Papers and pot-shots: when geologists attack
What you ought to know about metamorphism
I love metamorphic rocks. In hand-specimen they are varied and mysterious, an invitation to do some mineral spotting. In thin-section they are positively gorgeous: solid garnet, foxy biotite (where you can see radiation-damage around zircons), fluffy fibrolite, elusive cordierite… Metamorphic rocks are both attractive and interesting, a compelling combination at any party. They generally aren’t as popular as… Continue reading What you ought to know about metamorphism
Relict of the flood?
I’ve recently spent a lot of time with my kids in the fabulous public parks of Macclesfield. An ex-mill town in the north of England, Macclesfield expanded greatly in the Nineteenth Century and the civic leaders at the time took care to build large green spaces into the town. In a nicely manicured lawn in… Continue reading Relict of the flood?
Accretionary Wedge – 37: Sexy Geology
Accretionary Wedge #37 called for examples of ‘Sexy Geology’. Here’s mine: You always remember your first time. I was a young man, freshly graduated and I’d somehow persuaded the government to give me (just) enough money to spend three years studying for a geology doctorate. Once spring arrived I eagerly set off for my field… Continue reading Accretionary Wedge – 37: Sexy Geology