The hottest Geology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

Are Hydrocarbons Really “Fossil” Fuels?

Doomberg • 249 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🔬 Science Energy Geology Environmental Research Innovation
  1. Some scientists think hydrocarbons, which we call fossil fuels, might not actually come from ancient plants and animals. There are theories suggesting they could be formed from other natural processes deep within the Earth.
  2. In 1986, an oil drilling experiment in Sweden found hydrocarbons in an unusual location, challenging the idea that oil only comes from fossilized organic matter. This raises questions about our understanding of how hydrocarbons are formed.
  3. The concept of fossil fuels could be more complex than we thought. It encourages us to explore alternative origins for these energy sources instead of assuming they're all from the remains of past life.

Mount St. Helens - An Awful Place

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 499 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
🔬 Science Geology Ecology Environmental Science Natural History
  1. Mount St. Helens had a huge eruption in 1980, which produced a lot of dramatic scientific observations and remarkable descriptions. Scientists used strong words to convey the massive impact of the event.
  2. The landscape at Mount St. Helens has undergone significant changes since the eruption, showing how nature can recover and adapt after destruction. Visitors can see new growth, diverse plants, and wildlife returning to the area.
  3. The experience of visiting Mount St. Helens is filled with awe and inspiration. It's a reminder of nature's power and resilience, making it a special place for reflection and appreciation.

Hang on, are there ANY lost minerals?

Material World • 1269 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🔬 Science Geology Environmental Science Resources Sustainability
  1. Humans haven't really run out of minerals or resources, just gotten better at finding and extracting them. We still have plenty of well-known materials, even if they're harder to find in some places.
  2. Many stories about lost minerals, like certain types of marble, are exaggerated or incorrect. For example, some rare marbles still exist in significant amounts, contrary to popular belief.
  3. Instead of focusing on supposed lost minerals, it's more interesting to explore the minerals we continue to extract today, even when people think they've been exhausted.

Forgotten Minerals #2: Caliche

Material World • 918 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🔬 Science Geology Environmental Science Agriculture History
  1. People often keep mining a resource even when substitutes are available. This happens because once we start mining something, we rarely stop.
  2. Caliche, a valuable rock in the Atacama desert, is still being mined heavily for its nitrogen, despite the invention of synthetic alternatives that could replace it.
  3. Interestingly, mining caliche can have less environmental impact than the modern methods used to create fertilizers, showing that old mining practices haven't completely disappeared.

Things I Like About Geology

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 439 implied HN points • 23 May 24
🔬 Science Geology Earth Science Paleontology Natural History Environmental Science
  1. Geology shows us that a lot of Earth's history is missing in the rocks we see. For example, not all ancient events are recorded, which creates a unique beauty in how landscapes look today.
  2. The constant fight between uplift and erosion shapes our mountains. Mountains grow tall, but erosion, through water and wind, continuously wears them down, making them more interesting.
  3. Geology helps us understand deep time but also captures small moments in history. Trace fossils show us detailed actions of past life, connecting us to individual stories from millions of years ago.
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Monkey Puzzles and Muir

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 519 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Nature History Botany Geology Travel
  1. Monkey puzzle trees, native to Chile, are known for their unique look and have deep cultural connections with the Indigenous Araucano people who use the nuts for food.
  2. John Muir traveled to South America to find these trees and wrote about his admiration for them, showing how much he valued nature.
  3. The arrival of monkey puzzle trees in Seattle is somewhat mysterious, tied to early 20th-century expos and possibly explorers, but their history goes back millions of years.

Neanderthals in the House

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 359 implied HN points • 09 May 24
🔬 Science Paleontology Geology Anthropology Urban Nature Natural History
  1. A person found part of a jawbone while visiting their parents' house, and it could be related to ancient humans like Neanderthals. This discovery shows that fossils can be hidden in unexpected places, even in our homes.
  2. Many buildings, like the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, are made from a stone called travertine that has preserved fossils of leaves and other plants. This means you can see ancient life without going to a museum.
  3. Cities like Seattle are full of building stones with hidden fossils, encouraging people to look closer at their surroundings. Exploring urban areas can reveal fascinating pieces of our natural history.

How The Modern World Lost & Found Its Newest Continent

Everything Is Amazing • 1398 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
🔬 Science Geology Geography Cultural Studies History Oceanography
  1. Zealandia is a potential new continent, mapped in 2023, with its status still debated.
  2. Continents are typically identified by convention rather than strict criteria, leading to inconsistencies in definitions.
  3. There are millions of islands around the world, with many being uninhabited despite significant populations on some continents.

Dungeness Spit

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 299 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Geology Ecology Natural History
  1. Dungeness Spit is a five-mile-long sandy spit named by Captain George Vancouver in 1792, originally known as Tsi-tsa-kwick by the S’Klallam people. It's interesting how names can connect us to history and culture.
  2. This spit is about 5,000 years old and was formed as glaciers melted, causing the land to rise and create new sediment. Nature shows us how changes over time can create beautiful landscapes.
  3. Dungeness Spit is always changing, with natural forces moving materials like rocks and logs. It's a reminder of how dynamic and alive our natural world is, constantly evolving and adapting.

Becoming A Geogeek

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 459 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
🔬 Science Geology Education Nature Environment History
  1. Taking a geology class can change your perspective on the world. It helps you see the connections in nature and understand different landscapes.
  2. Field trips in geology are about more than just learning; they are about observing and appreciating the natural world closely.
  3. Whether living in a city or a rural area, geology influences where you go and how you experience your environment.

Dead Trees Tell No Lies

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 419 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🔬 Science Geology Environmental Science Natural History
  1. Certain dead trees in the Pacific Northwest help scientists learn about a major earthquake that happened about 1,100 years ago. The trees died due to seismic events, not fire or disease.
  2. Researchers used growth rings from these trees to narrow down the date of the earthquake to around 923 or 924 CE. This discovery helps understand what could happen in future earthquakes.
  3. The study shows how dedicated scientists work hard to solve mysteries in nature. Their findings can help with planning and improving safety in areas prone to earthquakes.

Why It's Great News That The Earth Sucks

Everything Is Amazing • 963 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🔬 Science Geology Oceanography Environment Extraterrestrial Life Technology
  1. The Earth has fascinating and dangerous underwater sinkholes, like the Great Blue Hole and the Yongle Blue Hole.
  2. Exploring the geological impact on our lives can reveal intriguing connections to our world's history and future.
  3. Scientists finding deep-sea features like the Taam ja' Blue Hole may provide insights into life on other planets.

Spirit Whales and Sloth Tales

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 299 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🔬 Science Paleontology Geology Ecology History Education
  1. The book 'Spirit Whales and Sloth Tales' explores the rich fossil history of Washington State, showcasing a vast timeline of plants and animals that lived there over hundreds of millions of years.
  2. It features twenty-four profiles that connect specific fossils with their geological and human history, making the science behind them more engaging and accessible.
  3. The authors include beautiful fossil photos and aim to deepen readers' appreciation for the paleontology and geology of Washington State through these stories.

Seismic Swift

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 319 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Music Geology Stadiums Environmental awareness
  1. Fans at Taylor Swift's concerts created a lot of excitement, enough to be measured like small earthquakes. The energy from the cheers and stomping was similar to a magnitude 2.3 quake.
  2. Seattle has had a history of measuring events that cause seismic activity, like sports games and even the demolition of the Kingdome. Big crowds can shake the ground just like natural earthquakes.
  3. Understanding the geology of Seattle is important, as it helps people connect with their environment. Events like concerts can spark interest in learning more about the earth beneath our feet.

Erratic Behavior

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 299 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🔬 Science Geology Paleontology Natural History Earth Science
  1. Erratic rocks are large stones left behind by glaciers when the ice melts. They can be quite big, even the size of a school bus.
  2. Some famous erratics, like the Wedgwood Rock in Seattle, have interesting histories and have been popular spots for locals for many years.
  3. The study of these erratics helped scientists like Goethe understand the Ice Age and how rocks traveled long distances due to ice.

In search of lithium

Everything is Light • 235 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Mining Geology Sustainability Renewables
  1. Cornwall has a rich mining history, especially with tin and copper, shaping modern Cornwall.
  2. The global demand for lithium is rising due to electric vehicles and solar panels, potentially leading to shortages by 2025.
  3. Mining lithium in Cornwall is seen as an opportunity for economic growth, jobs, and a sustainable supply of a crucial element for the green transition.

Love, Attention, Patience: The Secrets of Charles Darwin's Scientific Success

Meaning || Matter • 59 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
🔬 Science Evolution Naturalism Geology Biology Research
  1. Darwin's success was not just about genius; it was about his love for science, his attention to detail, and his patience in observing the world around him. He worked hard to collect data and make sense of it over many years.
  2. His groundbreaking theory of evolution came from his commitment to understanding nature and his experiences during his voyage on the Beagle. He took every opportunity to explore and study different species and their environments.
  3. Even when faced with challenges and doubts, Darwin continued to gather and analyze evidence, showing that persistence and curiosity are key to making important discoveries.

The Giddiness of Time

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 319 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🔬 Science Geology Earth Science Natural History Environmental Studies
  1. Time is deep and vast, stretching back billions of years. This history has shaped our planet and the life on it, making it so fascinating to explore.
  2. Certain rocks, like the Morton Gneiss, are incredibly old and hold stories about the Earth's early days. Touching these rocks can help us connect to that ancient time.
  3. Geological processes, like plate tectonics, have changed over the ages. Understanding when these processes began gives us insight into the Earth's past and how it has evolved.

The Story in the Lake

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 176 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🔬 Science Geology Climate Environmental Conservation Human Impact Biodiversity
  1. A small lake in Ontario has been chosen to represent the Anthropocene epoch in Earth's history due to human activity.
  2. Humans have significantly transformed Earth's systems, leading to a new epoch where human history is now Earth's history.
  3. Geologists have selected Crawford Lake in Ontario as a witness and representative site for the Anthropocene, with its layers of sediment telling the story of human impact.

Finding Glaciers in the West

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Natural History Exploration Geology
  1. In the 1800s, scientists believed there were no glaciers in the U.S. outside of Alaska until Clarence King discovered them in the Cascades. This was a surprising revelation since people had been aware of glaciers in places like Switzerland long before.
  2. Many explorers and writers, including Native guides, had actually seen and written about the glaciers in the Cascades before King announced their existence. Their contributions were often overlooked by later scientists.
  3. Today, glaciers are rapidly disappearing due to climate change. In the future, people may react with similar excitement if glaciers are found in the U.S. again, as there will be very few left.

Finding Washington's First Fossils

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 199 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🔬 Science Paleontology Geology Anthropology History Ecology
  1. The earliest known connections to fossils in Washington come from the Wanapum people, who used ancient petrified wood for tools over 9,000 years ago.
  2. Naturalists like Archibald Menzies and others in the early 1800s began documenting fossils in Washington, although many of their specimens have been lost over time.
  3. The mystery of who first collected fossils in Washington remains, but geologist James Dwight Dana is a strong candidate for making one of the earliest fossil collections.

Agents of Erosion

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 219 implied HN points • 26 Jan 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Urban Ecology Geology Environmental Impact
  1. Everyone contributes to erosion in our environment, even just by walking on steps. Our shoes cause tiny bits of stone to wear away over time.
  2. Winter weather leads to more potholes because water expands when it freezes, damaging roads. It's a reminder that even annoying things can have a positive side for nature.
  3. Roots from trees can push up sidewalks and create obstacles in urban areas. This shows how nature constantly interacts with our built environment and can cause challenges.

Lusus naturae

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 159 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
🔬 Science Ornithology Geology Ecology Evolution Botany
  1. Rockpeckers are birds that create holes in rocks and are important for understanding geology. They use their unique feeding habits to extract silica from plants, which helps them carve out these holes.
  2. Scientists are exploring the connections between rockpeckers and other birds like rock wrens. There are still many questions about their behavior and nesting habits, with research ongoing to learn more.
  3. Interestingly, rockpeckers share a similar hole-drilling ability with piddock clams, highlighting the idea of parallel evolution. This shows that different species can develop similar traits to survive in their environments.

Ghosts and Orphans

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 199 implied HN points • 15 Dec 22
🔬 Science Geology Natural History Environmental Science
  1. In the Ghost Forest of Copalis Beach, dead trees tell an interesting geological story. They died after the land sank and got flooded by seawater, a mystery that took almost 300 years to solve.
  2. The Cascadia Subduction Zone, where two tectonic plates meet, causes major earthquakes. These earthquakes can create tsunamis, like the one in 1700 that affected Japan and was linked to the dead trees in Washington.
  3. Studying old records and nature helps us understand our history better. It shows how geology impacts human life and reminds us to respect the natural world we live in.

Urban Stalactites

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 219 implied HN points • 28 Jul 22
🔬 Science Geology Urban Studies Environmental Science Sustainability
  1. Urban stalactites, called calthemites, form from the weathering of concrete when water carries calcium hydroxide and reacts with carbon dioxide in the air. They look like tiny cave formations hanging from structures.
  2. The growth of these stalactites can happen quickly, with the best conditions allowing them to grow up to 2 mm a day. However, they can be fragile and might break if disturbed.
  3. In cities like Seattle, you can find these formations in places like tunnels, bridges, and parking garages. They add an interesting geological feature to urban landscapes.

Geology Did That

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 119 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🔬 Science Geology Natural History Environmental Science
  1. Geology significantly shapes Seattle's landscape and environment, influencing everything from its hills to earthquake risks. People in Seattle often experience the effects of geology in their daily lives.
  2. The Seattle Fault Zone has raised old rocks to the surface, creating unique topographic features like hills and anomalies. These geological formations, such as Alki Point, showcase interesting sediment history.
  3. Seattle is home to several notable hills that have historical significance and provide great views. They are not only beautiful but also tell the story of the region's geological past.

Well Traveled Cement

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 219 implied HN points • 28 Apr 22
🔬 Science Geology Environmental History Botany Urban Studies
  1. Cement in Seattle comes from limestone that originated in the Pacific Ocean around 200 million years ago. This means the material in our buildings has a fascinating history.
  2. From the 1860s to 1920s, San Juan Island was a key source of lime for cement production in Washington. Workers made quicklime by heating limestone, which was then used to create mortar and cement.
  3. Seattle's cement boom kicked off after the Great Fire of 1889, leading to building codes that favored durable materials. So, the buildings we see today have stories dating back millions of years.

The Politics of a Great Unconformity

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 01 Sep 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Urban Issues Political History Geology Public Policy Social justice
  1. Seattle's Light Rail stations display a mix of very old and relatively new rocks, creating interesting geological features called unconformities.
  2. In 1989, a decision to use stone from South Africa led to a controversy concerning the ethics around apartheid, making local officials reconsider their choices.
  3. The fallout from the stone controversy resulted in a resignation at Metro, highlighting how political and ethical decisions can impact public projects.

Fifth layer inside the Earth's core has just been found!

Stemble - for the love of STEM! • 39 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🔬 Science Geology Discovery Research
  1. A new fifth layer has been discovered in Earth's core by scientists at Australian National University.
  2. The discovery was made by studying seismic waves that traveled five times across the Earth's diameter.
  3. Previous studies on Earth's core only looked at single bounces, but this new finding reveals a different crystalline structure deep inside.

School of Rock

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 99 implied HN points • 25 Aug 22
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Geology Education
  1. Coccolithophores are tiny marine plants that can bloom in huge numbers. These blooms are so big they can be seen from space, turning the water a vibrant color.
  2. Chalk used in schools comes from coccoliths, the remains of these tiny organisms. The famous White Cliffs of Dover are made from billions of these tiny critters that lived millions of years ago.
  3. The shift from chalk and slate blackboards to whiteboards means students might be missing the natural connection to where their materials come from. Using chalk was a way for kids to engage with nature's wonders.

Return to the Ice Age

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 119 implied HN points • 03 Feb 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Geology Climate change Ecology Natural History
  1. The Last Glacial Maximum was a time when massive glaciers covered large areas, shaping the landscape we see today. It would have been incredible to witness the immense Missoula floods that occurred then.
  2. During the last ice age, the area now known as the Puget lowland was completely different, with thick ice sheets and unique ecosystems. When the ice melted, it brought about a variety of fascinating animals and plants.
  3. Today, we live in a much warmer climate, which contrasts sharply with the icy world of the past. Understanding this history helps us appreciate the changes in our environment.

Through the Eyes of Specialists

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 59 implied HN points • 15 Sep 22
🔬 Science Ecology Geology Botany Natural History
  1. Getting out in nature with specialists allows for a deeper understanding of ecosystems. Their knowledge helps reveal the small but important changes in the environment that we might not otherwise notice.
  2. Stocking fish in high lakes is a rewarding and careful process. It's fulfilling to see fish thrive in their new homes, especially when they bring joy to future anglers.
  3. Geology is complex, and even simple rocks can hide fascinating histories. Experts can help us understand the geological stories behind the landscapes we see.

Slip Sliding Away

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 99 implied HN points • 13 Jan 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Geology Weather Climate change Urban planning
  1. Seattle is known for landslides, especially after heavy rain. Homes can shift significantly when the ground becomes saturated.
  2. The city's geology plays a big role in these landslides, with layers of clay and sediment making it easy for the ground to slip.
  3. Efforts have been made throughout history to manage water and prevent landslides, but many areas still face challenges due to the unstable ground.

Curb Appeal

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 07 May 21
🎭️ Culture Geology History Urban Design Cultural heritage
  1. Curbs can tell us a lot about local geology. In Seattle, you can find granite curbs that are 32 million years old.
  2. Carrara in Italy has beautiful marble curbs and sidewalks that were formed around 200 million years ago. This adds a touch of style and history to the area.
  3. The oldest known curbs are made from Morton Gneiss in Minnesota, which is about 3.5 billion years old. It's wild to think about how much history these stones have!

Tsunamis in the Tsound

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 59 implied HN points • 27 Jan 22
🔬 Science Geology Natural Disasters Environmental Science Archaeology
  1. Tsunamis can occur in the Puget Sound area due to earthquakes, with one significant event happening around 1,100 years ago. This caused large waves and impacted the land.
  2. Some past tsunamis affected local communities, leading to temporary abandonment of villages. This shows the lasting impact of natural disasters on people's lives.
  3. Recent geological activities, like the Tongan eruption, remind us of the powerful forces of nature. These events can create unusual phenomena, like waves and atmospheric changes, showing how connected we are to the Earth.

Cemeteries: A Great Place for Geodorks

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 59 implied HN points • 19 Aug 21
🔬 Science Geology Natural History Ecology Biology Urban Studies
  1. Cemeteries are interesting places for geology lovers. You can find unique rocks and stones used in tombstones that tell stories about the local geology.
  2. Different styles of tombstones, like treestumps, have special meanings. They often include symbols that represent aspects of life, such as doves for peace or frogs for resurrection.
  3. Visiting cemeteries can be a calming experience. They offer quiet spaces to explore nature, observe wildlife, and enjoy beautiful sights like lichens and weathered stones.