What is assimilation in geology?
Natural EnvironmentsAssimilation in Geology: When Magma Eats Its Neighbors Ever wonder how volcanoes get their mojo, or how the Earth’s crust keeps changing? A big part of the story lies deep underground, where molten rock – magma – is constantly cooking and interacting with its surroundings. One of the coolest, and maybe slightly disturbing, processes is
How did Lava help form the Columbia Plateau?
Natural EnvironmentsHow Lava Flows REALLY Made the Columbia Plateau Ever stood in the middle of Washington, Oregon, or Idaho and just felt…small? Awe-struck? Well, you might have been standing on the Columbia Plateau, a landscape forged by some seriously epic volcanic events. Forget your typical cone-shaped volcanoes; this was a whole different ballgame. We’re talking about
Why is weathering important to soil?
Natural EnvironmentsWhy Weathering Matters: It’s All About the Soil! Ever wonder where soil comes from? It’s not just “there,” you know. The secret ingredient is weathering – that constant breakdown of rocks and minerals by good old Mother Nature. Weathering is what turns solid rock into the foundation for fertile land, the very stuff that supports
What are the three types of differential stress?
Regional SpecificsEarth’s Crust: It’s All About the Squeeze (and Stretch, and Slide!) Ever look at a mountain range and wonder how it got there? Or maybe you’ve felt the ground shake during an earthquake and thought about the forces at play deep beneath your feet. Well, a big part of the story comes down to something
Why are amethyst different colors?
Regional SpecificsAmethyst’s Amazing Colors: What Makes This Purple Gem So Different? Amethyst. Just the name conjures up images of royalty, mystery, and, of course, that gorgeous purple hue. But have you ever noticed how different amethysts can look? Some are a deep, rich violet, while others are so pale they’re almost lavender. What’s the story behind
What type of fault is hanging?
Regional SpecificsDecoding the “Hanging” Act in Faults: It’s All About Perspective Ever heard the term “hanging wall” in geology and felt a little lost? Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds! Think of it as a way to describe what’s going on when the Earth’s crust cracks and shifts – which, by the way,