J.R. Johnson

We recently spent some time on the road, and drove through some fascinating geology. I had a professor once who was known to wax poetic about highway road cuts, and he wasn’t wrong. Millennia of geological processes are exposed to the light. It got me thinking about geology in general and rocks in particular.

Here’s a general introduction that emphasizes the connection of geology to everything from plate tectonics to the location of our cities:

I’d rather have polished stones from my local highway than diamonds, actually. And for fun, here’s a video on labradorite, a very pretty example of Earth’s stone modification skills:

Thanks for taking us to the Geology Department open house that one time, Dad. I still remember the rock polishing demonstration:)

And if you have a moment next time you’re on the road, watch the road cuts as you go by. Earth’s secrets are out there, waiting for you.

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