Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with geology

Can someone identify these rocks?

dragoon — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:37:03 -0800

Can anyone identify these two rocks from near Hatch, Utah? Picture links included inside. One we're just wondering about. For the other, we're stumped, and the geologist we've asked had never seen a rock like it. We're just curious about this one.

http://www.hardsun.net/stone_pictures/img_8046.jpg
http://www.hardsun.net/stone_pictures/img_8047.jpg

This is the puzzling one. It came from the same area. The owners of the lot took it to a Bureau of Land Management geologist, who said he hadn't seen a stone where the ball and the surrounding materiel are the same. The ball pops out, and there's more nodules inside the stone with more stone balls.

http://www.hardsun.net/stone_pictures/img_8043.jpg
http://www.hardsun.net/stone_pictures/img_8048.jpg

Here's another stone of the same type, but more weathered. You can see an intact nodule, and another nodule that is partly open, showing the ball inside.

http://www.hardsun.net/stone_pictures/img_8044.jpg
http://www.hardsun.net/stone_pictures/img_8045.jpg

Rock Hammer 4 Kids

DU — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:15:55 -0800

Do budding geologists like rock hammers? I'm pretty into science but know next to nothing about geology. My 8 year old son collects a lot of "treasures" but chief among them is rocks. He also exclaims over interesting rock-based features (like stripes, crystals, shapes, etc) and asks me what made them (my answer is always either "volcanoes" or "magical pixies").

I've gotten him geo books at the library, but he mainly just looks at the pictures rather than reading them (much to his voraciously-reading parents' chagrin). Which isn't to say he isn't interested in gaining information, he just doesn't seem to be interested in gaining it via self-directed reading.

He also likes to take things apart. And crafts, but I really hate most "science craft kits" where you just pour some ingredients together say "wow" and toss it. A "make your own fossil" kit is out, in other words.

Putting this all together, it occurred to me he might like a rock hammer for a Christmas/birthday present. Google informs me there are more styles and features than I could have dreamed.

If you are/were a budding geologist, do/did you want this or something else? Is it maybe too specialized/detailed/adult and he could get the same effect by just using another, larger rock to bust stuff open? Or should I just get him a sledgehammer and some steel-toed boots? Or perhaps rock hammers have uses other than cracking rocks open that he'd enjoy/not enjoy?

What are these large, round rocks?

pocketlama — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:17:08 -0800

I came home from Sequim Bay here in Washington with several cannon ball sized rocks I found on the beach. They had fallen from the hill-side as it eroded, leaving round capsule like depressions. They are a bit flaky and seem to be made of mud/sand that has hardened (but not like the sandstone I've seen elsewhere). What are these called? What caused them?

Bill Nye should be a Mefite.

Christ, what an asshole — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:13:46 -0800

What are some simple experiments that help explain complicated phenomena? I was at a geology museum last year, and they had an exhibit where water slowly trickled down an embankment of sand. The path the water took was a seemingly random assortment of forks and zigzags. The accompanying placard read, "This is how Earth's rivers were formed over millions of years." The kid in me just went, "OHHHH!!"

When I was 7, my older brother challenged me to a bet of what would hit the ground first if dropped from the same height (a tie would mean I was wrong): a sandbag or a pen cap. I lost a dollar. Then two. Three. Then he offered to let me try. Four dollars. Five. I quit in frustration. Then came back when he left and kept trying for a half hour, and I thought I was going insane. When 3rd grade rolled around and we began learning about gravity in science class, I was well ahead of the curve, $5 poorer yet $5 wiser.

During Seder this year, my cousins were presented with the Monty Hall problem, and after at least 30 mins. of discussion, they still would not budge on the odds being 50/50. So I came up with this experiment. "I'm going to write down a number between 1 and 1 million. Try to guess it. Can we all agree that you have a 1 in a million chance of getting it right?" (Yes.) The guess was 23. "Alright, I'm going to eliminate numbers 1 through 22, 24 through 625,624, and numbers 625,626 through 1 million. Now would you like to stick with your original guess, 23, or switch your answer to 625,625?" Their eyes lit up. Well, at least three of them. My fourth cousin stubbornly stood by 23. I challenged her to try being the "host," and halfway through, it clicked, and she started damning herself.

What other interesting concepts or phenomena can be broken down in simple terms/experimentation?

What causes volcanic mesocyclones to rotate in the direction they do?

baphomet — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 10:55:53 -0800

Recent research has concluded that strong volcanic plumes exhibit cyclonic, storm-like rotation, which helps explain why volcanic thunderstorms occur. The article indicates that the volcanic plume from Mt. Pinatubo in 1991 exhibited anticlockwise rotation, which I infer to be consistent with the rotation of a low-pressure system in the northern hemisphere. My question: Will the rotational direction of these volcanic mesocyclones be governed by the Coriolis Effect, local atmospheric conditions, compositional characteristics of the plume, or some combination of these factors?

Hammer or quill?

freya_lamb — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 05:17:14 -0800

ScienceFilter: How can I best get involved? I'm from an Arts background originally (BA) but have a technology-based Masters and for the past decade have been working as a developer/tutor/editor in web media. For the past couple of years I've been studying part-time towards an undergraduate degree in Geoscience. I love the subject and am fascinated by it's applications, largely around resource management and climate change. However, I'm starting to wonder if it's worth completing the full degree - as I'm in my mid-30s now it doesn't seem realistic to pursue a career as an actual geologist or environmental scientist.

I have the option of transferring to a masters level diploma in Science Communication which I could complete in two years rather than six years for the BSc. This aligns better with my skillset and current qualification but is it at all useful? Could I contribute (and be employable!) within the community without the foundation of a full bachelors, or should I stick it out at undergraduate level and really get to grips with one subject before attempting to enter the wider fray?

Any thoughts welcome.

Why is does this rock look so unusual?

Java_Man — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:11:01 -0800

Why does this rock have so many stress lines and pits on it? I found this very unusual rock in New Hampshire. What could have caused it to look like this? Also note, it is non-magnetic and about two feet across.
Image

Alternate geological histories

Chairboy — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 04:06:41 -0800

I was wondering if anyone has explored the notions of alternate geological history, i.e. different continents to the ones we know, and the mechanisms by which they might have arisen? I know that alternate histories in a social/literary/historical sense have been pretty well covered by previous questions, but I'm just curious about the geological aspect of such thinking and whether anyone has explored it in either literary or scientific fashion (or both).

No Man from Atlantis stuff though please! I'm looking for something a bit more thoughtful if possible! BTW IANAG, just an interested layman so please go easy on the geological jargon too if you can... Thanks!

shine on your crazy tourmaline (or whatever)

luriete — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:09:47 -0800

When I was a kid living in La Mesa, California, my mother got to poke around in the tailings at local tourmaline and mica mines as part of weekend classes we took at the natural history museum. Are there any kinds of similar gemstone mines anywhere near where I live now - Sacramento, California - that offer similar opportunities?

How do you knock a chunk off an iron meteorite?

Naberius — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 22:17:25 -0800

What hand tools would be needed to remove a chunk of iron from an iron meteorite you've discovered in the field? It's the 1860s if that makes a difference, and you're on a remote hillside, and there's an iron meteorite. You need to chip, saw or otherwise knock off a couple good sized pieces of iron from it. What kind of tools could you reasonably have that would do the job? Would standard metal hammers and chisels of the period work, or would the meteorite be just as likely to break them as vice versa?

Short of a diamond-bladed circular saw (heavy and unlikely to be within an extension cord of a socket when you need it) how do modern geologists take samples from a chunk of iron?

How does an Aussie geo get to Canada?

twirlypen — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:49:29 -0800

This time next year I'll be a freshly graduated Australian geolgist. I'd like to work overseas, and I'm tempted by Canada or the US. What should I be aware of while trying to arrange all this, and how easy would it be to work as close to New York as possible? This November, I'll be graduating with honours in Geology from a university in Australia. I've done some vacation work along the way, I've got good grades and references, and I usually interview well.

Any advice about what to expect, what the job market's like, what the job conditions are like, what the life's like etc. would be really appreciated.

I'd love to be as close to NYC as possible, but I'm aware that it probably isnt' the easiest thing.

I'm not interested in working for a company with a poor environmental record.

Thanks in advance.

Strange landscape in northern russia.

proj08 — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 05:57:08 -0800

Please help me re-locate an unusual geological formation on Google Earth. It is somewhere in northern Russia. Yesterday this one patch of ice on the grass reminded me of a certain location in northern Russia which I came across on Google Earth a while back. There was a specific geological name for this type of formation, and it was caused by glaciers. At least that is what the information box said. In my vague memory, it seemed green, not white. It looked like the surface of an alien planet. Smooth, hilly, weird. It was near the northern border of Russia, but I don't remember east west or central. I wasn't zoomed in all the way, so it is probably fairly large. Thanks!

Where to study History?

Nillocsoc — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 20:33:21 -0800

Looking for unique schools or programs for the study of History. In the US or abroad. I am looking for a school (or other form of education) where I can study History in a broad and inclusive way. I dont want to learn dates- I am more concerned with expanses of time. I want a program that combines the formation of earth, the rise of life, evolution, extinction, geology, the beginings of consciousness, early civilizations, religion, forms of goverment, types of thought, and the cultures of the world.

I want an understanding of history that surpasses birthdates, wars, the reigns of kings, etc...

So if anyone knows of a school, program, internship, university, or any other form of learning that I haven't named... please provide suggestions- and maybe a little about it.

Thank you

Weird rock found in Western Desert of Egypt

odasaku — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 22:06:27 -0800

An Egyptian friend of mine found this rock in the West Desert of Egpyt. Can anyone tell us what it is? It's really abnormal-looking. (All of my theories involve Sun Ra and pharaonic collusion with Saturn.)

river rock for cooking project

Infernarl — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 19:35:29 -0800

Where in nature can I find a dinner plate sized rounded flattish rock that can be heated to high temperatures without exploding? Ideally one side would be flat, or best, concave. The other side doesn't matter so much as long as it is rounded. Which part of the river should I look in? What land features produce this type of rock? And how do I know it's safe for heating. This is for a cooking project and I live in Japan if that helps.

Calling all GIS-experts in da house

Rabarberofficer — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 01:23:11 -0800

Brain storm-fodder: What's the most innovative idea you've got for an thesis on GIS (Geological Information Systems) and archeology? An old friend is having trouble to find a suitable idea for an undergrad-thesis on GIS (geological information system) and archeology. We're holding an brain storm-session in a while and I'd like to be able to throw him some meat-bones to chew on (mentally speaking).

So, calling all GIS-experts, archeologist and who ever would like to chip in: What's the most innovative idea you have for using GIS and archeology that's suitable to explore in an under-grad thesis?

(The googling reveals several master thesis about archeo-GIS, but they're on a too high level - academical and resource-speaking). I'm looking for something somewhat "lighter". My apologies if the question is to broad.)

What's an puppy rock-hound to do?

Rabarberofficer — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 02:28:29 -0800

I need geology-activites suitable for children for an Rock-hound-day. Okey, so I'm in charge of a local rock-hound-day for the general glorification of geology. We've got loads of stuff for the grown-ups. But we need some activities for the youngsters.

Any Mefites with experience of rock-hounding for kids? Any particular games or challenges that might interest kids 8-12 years?

Any boiler-plate acitivity that's possible to tweak into the geology-area, are welcome.

India's Antarctica

riffola — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 05:47:22 -0800

If Russia gets to claim the North Pole as its own based on geological origins, shouldn't India automatically get Antarctica? For the record I don't believe the North Pole or South Pole should belong to any single country, just like the moon. I am just asking this question based on Russia's reasoning behind their attempt to claim the North Pole as its own.

Geology-related gifts for new middle school teacher

mckenney — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 07:40:50 -0800

Geology-type gifts for a middle school Earth Sciences teacher? My best friend just started teaching Earth Sciences. It is super awesome, and I am going out to visit her later this month. I wanted to get her a birthday gift that was very cool and geology-ish, but all I can think of is geodes, and that is kind of lame. What really awesome things are there out there that someone teaching Earth Sciences would like?

I saw this question already, but I don't want to get her something so much "teachy", but more "sciencey". Also, she is not my girlfriend, so backrubs and massage oils are out of the question.

Is the Big Bad Wolf really that bad?

twirlypen — Tue, 08 May 2007 00:09:32 -0800

Tell me about the oil industry. It's one of the places I could possibly work upon graduation. Is it as evil as it is sometimes made to look? I study geology at a university in Australia. I graduate at the end of the year and will probably do a year of honours, then head out into the wider world. There are plenty of jobs around in government organisations, and they're desperate for people in the minerals industry, but another possible direction is the oil industry.

My initial reaction to that is a firm 'no'. I don't want to work there, it's bad. The oil industry just has a big rubber-stamped EVIL sign in my head.

So how accurate is that? I've read in places that they spend millions delaying the introduction of alternative energies, that they ruthlessly decimate natural wildernesses and preserves, that they care for nothing but profit. I wouldn't want to work for an organisation like that.

I guess the question is this: how unethical is the oil industry? Personal experiences from people who work in the industry would be great, but other more general opinions are welcome too. Thanks, all.

Land survey freeware sources?

plumberonkarst — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 07:55:05 -0800

I am wondering if anyone knows where to find free ware/economical software that will calculate the surface area of an object defined by a closed curve saved either as a bitmap or vector image? *I am asking this for a friend who is swamped with deadlines*

"I have traced various study areas on a map and I want to be able to
determine their surface area accurately. There are devices to do this but
they are expensive. I though that if I traced them I might be able to find
software that can import these curves and calculate the surface area."

Does anyone have any suggestions they could offer?

The devil made me go on that road trip.

445supermag — Tue, 31 Jan 2006 12:48:42 -0800

What are some interesting places that have the name "devil" in them (like devil's tower, or devil's postpile)? I'm thinking about visiting as many as I can. On a recent trip, I was looking up a hike in a book and noticed that there were several sites named "devil's something" listed. Since they seem to be geologically interesting, I thought it might make a nice unifying theme for a road trip. I got 4 on that first trip without any planning (but they aren't very exciting, you can look at my crappy blog post if you like). I don't plan on doing all of them at once, but just going if the opportunity arises. I'll take satan or hell or the like also, not for any evil reason, but just because they're likely to be interesting also.

Gravity pulls water down how far?

Kickstart70 — Tue, 20 Dec 2005 15:59:19 -0800

How much potable-ish water is water is extremely deep underground? Having investigated how far I'd have to drill for water on land I own (not too deep...surface water within 30 feet, 110 feet to a decent well supply), I've started to wonder...barring water being pumped to the surface in the form of magma-heated steam, how much is down there much further than is reasonable feasible for us to drill for it?

A side point to this question, how far down are we likely to find large cave structures (empty or filled with water)?

Where did you dig up that old fossil?

-harlequin- — Thu, 15 Dec 2005 19:47:31 -0800

Pint-size paleontology: Where in WA state (Seattle area), is a good place for an 8-year-old to be able to look for and (probably) find fossils? (And take some home) Mega bonus points for:
- Within an hour's drive of Seattle.
- A good chance of finding fossils that are recognisable as such, or large, or distinctive, (ie rather than indistinct specks).
- Within an hour's walk from the road
- No permission needed, or very straightforward/easy to get permission.
- Being allowed to take some home.
- Nice wilderness / nature area

Does such a place exist? Any recommendations?

Simulate plate tectonics?

argybarg — Tue, 09 Aug 2005 09:25:45 -0800

Has anyone made or seen a good physical model for plate tectonics? I'd like to let kids in a 4th-grade classroom simulate the creation of landforms by pushing slippery plates (I'm imagining wax) together, but I can't work out all the details. How would they slide? Could the plates drift (slowly) under their own power? Could I add heat to this process to provide the slipperiness and energy?