Taxonomy term

geologic column

Geologic Column: The 'impact factor' of potholes

Bumpily driving along one day last spring on a road that had been battered by a snowy winter in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic left the author pondering potholes — from a geologic perspective.

07 Oct 2015

Geologic Column: September 26, 1774: The man, the myth, the legend of Johnny Appleseed is born

Little is known about the early life of John Chapman, also known as Johnny Appleseed, except that he was born in Massachusetts on Sept. 26, 1774. But he went on to become an orchardist and nurseryman and eventually a folk hero, helping tame the wilderness by planting apple orchards. 
14 Sep 2015

Geologic Column: Field Sketches

An art exhibit prompted the author to reflect on fieldwork, his library of field notebooks and how geolgists can integrate digital technology into field geology courses.
29 Jul 2015

Geologic Column: Jack and Jill: The sequel

As the extreme drought in California persists into another year, EARTH’s regular commentator returns with some thoughts on the proposed solutions, and the wisdom of going “up the hill” to fetch your water.

27 Jun 2015

Geologic Column: On the Summer Solstice

Today, we can only speculate on the significance that the summer solstice had for our ancestors, but we do know its scientific meaning. The author ruminates on the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, and its place in our annual journey around the sun.
21 Jun 2015

Geologic Column: The Rumpelstiltskin Factor

Are you a taxonomic “lumper” or “splitter”? The author ruminates on the meanings and conventions of scientific classification and naming.

21 Apr 2015

Geologic Column: Nature for couch potatoes

Why humans seem to fear nature so much — when we are the ones dominating it — is unclear. However, a glance at how nature and wildlife are portrayed in print and on screen reveals our long history (with some exceptions) of declawing it to make ourselves feel safer.

25 Mar 2015

Geologic Column: Lighting out for the territory

The author contemplates the history of westward expansion into arid lands and wonders if our unwise use of resources in places like the U.S. Southwest will eventually return the land "to the process of geology."

27 Feb 2015

Geologic Column: February 2: A day long celebrated for its seasonal ties

February is the only month not named for a god, a number, or a Roman Emperor. It is named for a Roman festival of purification. Since antiquity, many groups have celebrated February, specifically Feb. 2, honoring everything from a fire goddess to sheep and other furry animals, and much later, church candles and groundhogs. 

02 Feb 2015

Geologic Column: What geoscientists can learn from TED Talks

TED talks have become an international — and Internet — phenomenon. The presentations are pithy, conversational, focused and entertaining; they are often inspirational and sometimes very personal. Geoscientists — whether presenting conference papers, classroom lectures or presentations for general audiences — can learn a lot from TED talks, especially from the structure and guidance applied to preparing the talks.

27 Dec 2014

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