You are browsing the archive for Evelyn Mervine, Author at Georneys.
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 …
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). …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
December 25, 2020
What to Buy a Geologist for Christmas: 2020 Edition
Merry Christmas, everyone! It has been quite a year. If your year has been like mine, you are still recovering… and buying last-minute Christmas presents! This is the 10th year that I have published my “What to Buy a Geologist for Christmas” list. This year, I am recommending ten geology textbooks that the geologist in your family will be certain to love. If you want to check out my gift …
October 24, 2020
How Are Those Climate Change Resolutions Going?
Back in early January I set some Climate Change New Year’s Resolutions. At the time, I had no idea that the COVID-19 pandemic would occur and that life, in many ways, would be radically changed. However, although COVID-19 has contributed to a global reduction in carbon emissions (relative to 2019), it is clear that there is still much work to do when it comes to making the sorts of emissions …
May 31, 2020
Mount Coot-tha Building Stones
A few weeks ago, I put up a blog post about a Gold Mine Hike at Mount Coot-tha in Brisbane, Australia. I wrote that the gold was found in meta-sedimentary rocks, but I didn’t show any good pictures of the rocks. This is because the rocks are highly weathered and also mostly covered with vegetation in the area where the hike is located. This morning I went with my …
April 30, 2020
Gold Mine Hike at Mount Coot-tha, Brisbane, Australia
Considering the COVID-19 travel restrictions at the moment, my ability to go on georneys (geological journeys) is very limited at the moment. However, here in Australia we are fortunate that we can still go outside for some recreation, as long as we stay close to home. We live close to Mount Coot-tha, a mountain with a beautiful forest reserve and botanic garden. Most weekends, I go for a hike with …
