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.

Mendon Ponds Park – A Preview

This one I’m writing as a preview for my introductory geology students. This week, we’ll be running field trips out to Mendon Ponds Park to look at glacial geology and to practice reading topographic maps. There will also be a bit of rock identification going on too.

Today I took my son and we went on the hike that my students will be taking throughout the week. We had to make sure the trails were clear.

And of course we brought our cameras.Continue reading “Mendon Ponds Park – A Preview”

Misconceptions – Rocks and Minerals

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 some of those misconceptions. There will be others. Find them here.

Misconceptions:

A. Rocks (and minerals) grow.

B. Coarse-grained rocks are rough, fine-grained rocks are smooth

C. Coarse-grained sedimentary rocks cooled slowly, coarse-grained igneous rocks formed in areas of high depositional energy, etc.

D. With minerals, the term ‘massive’ texture means that the samples are big.Continue reading “Misconceptions – Rocks and Minerals”

Misconception – The Rock Below Tectonic Plates is Liquid

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 two of those misconceptions. There will be others. Find them here.

Misconception: Asthenosphere is liquid and/or the lower mantle is liquidContinue reading “Misconception – The Rock Below Tectonic Plates is Liquid”

Trick or Treat with Agents

I offer this challenge to my followers. Some of you are writers, I know. This is an opportunity to find an agent for your previously unrecognized work of literary art.

In October there comes a contest called ‘Trick or Treat with Agents,’ which is hosted by Kimberly Chase, Brenda Drake, and Dannie Morin.Continue reading “Trick or Treat with Agents”