A native element is an element that occurs in pure or nearly pure form as a natural mineral. Because atmospheric gases are capable of mixing, turning them from a native element into a combination of two or more elements, they are excluded from the definition. As such, native elements can also interchangeably be referred to […]
What does global warming, siberia, and the Permian Mass extinction have in common? A scientific expedition has uncovered a key ingredient: COAL! In 2008, Planetary scientist Lindy Elkins-Tanton, of Arizona State University lead an epedition into the frozen tundra of Siberia looking for the cause of the Great Dying that took place at the end […]
Hey, that’s nice gneiss! Say it out loud: “nahys nahys”. Don’t believe me? Check it out at dictionary.com! Yes, these are beautiful specimens: Nice gneiss! We headed out to Palm Springs to find it. Besides, Palm Springs is a super beautiful and relaxing spot for a quick getaway only a couple of hours from home! […]
In Search of the San Andreas Fault I spent a week in LA in 1978. With every real or imagined rumble, I was certain my life was about to come to a devastating end at the hands of “The Big One.” Since then, having travelled all around the western US to get up close and […]
In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks. ~John Muir~ What a simple activity is taking a walk. Watching our toddlers walk around the building, taking in whatever the moment had to offer: birds, helicopters, flowers, sirens, and rocks, never failed to bring my heart joy! There’s always […]
Baculite Mesa near Pueblo, Colorado is just the place for easy finding of the remains of ancient sea life. The fossil-loaded location was easy to find, easy to get to, and, most importantly, easy for picking up lots of baculites. Being novice rock-hounders, a spot where the fossils reveal themselves with little effort inspires us […]
