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February 18, 2024

Georneys is Moving – and Where to Find Me

AGU has announced that it will be sunsetting the AGU Blogosphere. So, I am here to say goodbye – and to thank AGU for years of hosting my blog. I started blogging for the AGU Blogosphere in 2011, when I was in graduate school. I’ve enjoyed my time blogging here over the years, particularly my “What to Buy a Geologist for Christmas” and my “Geology Word of the Week” posts. …

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November 14, 2023

Geology Word of the Week: Q is for Quartzite

def. Quartzite: A metamorphic rock that consists primarily of interlocking grains of the mineral quartz. Quartzite forms when quartz-rich sandstone undergoes metamorphism.   The term “quartzite” is an example of a geologic term that can be a little confusing. Most of the time, geologists use the term “quartzite” to refer to a metamorphic rock, which is the definition that I have provided above. Sometimes, geologists also use the term “quartzite” …

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November 7, 2023

Geology Word of the Week: P is for Pahoehoe

def. Pahoehoe: A type of lava with a smooth or undulating surface. Pahoehoe lava flows often resemble coils of rope and are most commonly found in basalt. Pahoehoe is Hawaiian word that is pronounced “pah-hoy-hoy”.   Pahoehoe is a term used to describe a lava flow that has a smooth or undulating surface. Many pahoehoe flows resemble coils of rope or, in some cases, messy piles of rope. Pahoehoe is …

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October 30, 2023

Geology Word of the Week: O is for Outcrop

I attempted to revive the Geology Word of the Week earlier this year, but a few busy projects at work and also writing my first book derailed my plans. Let’s try again! I have a Geology Alphabet to finish. I’ll use some photos from my trip to Scotland earlier this year to illustrate this post. Without further ado, here’s the next word…   def. Outcrop: An exposure of rock formation …

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February 5, 2023

Geology Word of the Week: N is for Notebook

  def. Notebook: A small book for recording notes, such as geological data. Since geologists often have to record notes in rainy (and sometimes snowy!) conditions, they prefer to use notebooks made with special paper that is water repellent and can be written on with a pencil or special pen even when there is precipitation.   When I was a geology student, I quickly learned that conducting geological fieldwork with …

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January 29, 2023

Geology Word of the Week: M is for Mica

  def. Mica: A term used to describe a group of minerals that form in flat layers (or sheets) and have a vitreous or pearly luster (they are shiny!). Micas are phyllosilicate minerals, also known as “sheet silicate” minerals. Micas are common rock-forming minerals, although some varieties are harder to find than others. Micas come in many different colors. Common mica minerals include muscovite (clear), biotite (black), and phlogopite (dark brown). …

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January 15, 2023

Geology Word of the Week: L is for Luster

def. Luster (or Lustre if you use British spelling): The way in which the surface of a mineral or rock interacts with light. Words used by geologists to describe luster include metallic, sub-metallic, dull (or earthy), vitreous, waxy, silky, greasy, pearly, and adamantine.   Luster is a physical property that is used by geologists to help identify minerals and rocks. Other physical properties that geologists use for identification are hardness, …

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January 6, 2023

Geology Word of the Week: K is for Karst

Several years ago, I used to write a “Geology Word of the Week” post in which I selected a word used by geologists, wrote a definition of the word, and wrote up a post with some information and pictures related to the word. I went through the alphabet in order twice, writing about words starting with letters from A to Z, and then I started a third run through the …

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December 23, 2022

What to Buy a Geologist for Christmas: 2022 Edition

This year, I’ve decided to post another list of great books to buy for the geologist in your life. All of these are available as e-books, so they make excellent last minute gifts. If you want to look at previous years gift lists, here they are: 2010 – Part I 2010 – Part II 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021   Book #1:  The Floor …

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December 20, 2021

What to Buy a Geologist for Christmas: 2021 Edition

I’ve been neglecting my blog this year, but I just had to put up my annual Christmas post. This is the last shopping week before Christmas, and I hope that this post gives you some ideas about what the buy the geologist in your life. There are some good ideas for stocking stuffers below, as well as for some more expensive gifts. I should be back to more regular blogging …

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