Author Archives: paleololigo

Scientist (Paleontology, Geochemistry, Geology); Writer (Speculative and Science Fiction, plus technical and non-technical Science); Mom to great boy on the Autism spectrum; possessor of too many hobbies.

Misconception – Rivers Flow South

There are many misconceptions about geological concepts. There is a list here, developed by Kent Kirby of the University of Minnesota. This post is to debunk one of those misconceptions. There will be others. Find them here.

Misconception: Rivers flow south – sometimes modified to rivers in northern hemisphere flow south, while those in southern hemisphere flow northContinue reading “Misconception – Rivers Flow South”

Setting the Stage: Global Warming and a Bolide Impact

Next month is National Novel Writing Month or NaNoWriMo for short, in which the goal is to write a 50,000 word novel in one month. The story I’m writing this November has a working title of “Park People.” It’s a science fiction thriller. I’ve never written a thriller before. So far it’s been an interesting process.

Right now, I’m working on outlining the plot and developing the necessary characters. For fun, I thought I might write up some background research, needed to make the story work right. Here’s how I’ve set the stage:Continue reading “Setting the Stage: Global Warming and a Bolide Impact”

Misconception – The Earth’s core is hollow, or that large hollow spaces occur deep within Earth

There are many misconceptions about geological concepts. There is a list here, developed by Kent Kirby of the University of Minnesota. This post is to debunk one of those misconceptions. There will be others. Find them here.

Misconception: Earth’s core is hollow, or that large hollow spaces occur deep within EarthContinue reading “Misconception – The Earth’s core is hollow, or that large hollow spaces occur deep within Earth”

Stink Bug – Chapter 27

A bright white light shown down on me when I awoke. I stared at it for a while. I was on a bed, that much I could tell. I tried to turn my head, but something held it in place. I could move my fingers. At least, I thought I could move my fingers. My arms and legs felt leaden, and I couldn’t lift them at all.Continue reading “Stink Bug – Chapter 27”

Why I hate being called Mrs. Higgins (by my students)

This is a rant. Though it is a rant that I suspect many women in the sciences can relate to.

I teach at a university. I have a Ph.D. My title, then, is properly “Dr. Higgins.” I am not a professor, not adjunct, not tenure-track, so technically I shouldn’t be called “Professor Higgins,” but it happens and I let it go.Continue reading “Why I hate being called Mrs. Higgins (by my students)”