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.

Introducing Thirsty Thursday

I’ve been thinking about it for years, somewhat envious of those I know who have embraced this hobby. Then, just a few days ago, my husband expressed an interest in it as well, apparently having never thought about it before.

Now, fast forward a few days and about $200 dollars later, and we’re about to join the leagues of people who home brew their own beer.Continue reading “Introducing Thirsty Thursday”

All the Answers are in Bowen’s Reaction Series

On the first day of my introductory geology class, I advise my students to memorize this thing called Bowen’s Reaction Series (BRS). I tell them that knowing it will help them out tremendously throughout the class and the rest of their lives.

A great deal of history of a rock can be told by merely recognizing the minerals that are in it. Bowen’s Reaction Series provides the basic relationships of some of the most common rock-forming minerals on Earth. Not only does BRS show which minerals will be found with which other minerals, it also provides a scheme of stability and chemical composition of those minerals.Continue reading “All the Answers are in Bowen’s Reaction Series”