Friday Headlines, May 2, 2014
THE LATEST IN THE GEOSCIENCES
Today’s round-up:
Bizarre holes at Mount Baldy
A new mineral has been discovered
Mass wasting is everywhere
Mysterious Holes In Indiana Sand Dune Could Be ‘New Geological Phenomenon’
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is the home of huge sand dunes where people like to play. Recently, mysterious holes have been appearing then disappearing from one dune called Mount Baldy over the course of days, one of which swallowed a 6-year old boy last summer (he survived, whew).
So, what is it with these holes? No one is sure. Scientists are using ground-penetrating radar to try to understand them. There is some suspicion that the holes are due to increasing movement of the dune in recent years.
Until the origin of the holes is discovered, the dunes will be closed.
New Purple-Pink Mineral, ‘Putnisite,’ Discovered In Australia
Just when you thought that every mineral in existence has been identified, a new one has been found and named.
Putnisite is a mineral that occurs in cube-like crystals that include strontium, calcium, chromium, carbon (in the form of carbonate), and sulfur (as sulfate). It doesn’t fit into any of the categories of minerals that I might teach in my introductory geology course.
The new mineral was found when geologists were prospecting for nickel and gold on the Polar Bear Peninsula in western Australia. It’s named after two mineralogists: Andrew and Christine Putnis.
Kaboom! Astounding Baltimore street collapse video
Think living in a big city will keep you safe from landslides and sink holes? Think again.
Click the link and watch the video. Say bye-bye to your favorite car.
Penny Higgins - Storyteller • Artist • Scientist 