Monday, 4 April 2011
Geology Myths and Misunderstandings
Geology Myths and Misunderstandings
I was pondering the other day on common topics in geology where there are a very large percentage of people that have a geological “urban legend” for example this informative and well laid out article on where diamonds come from is a prime example.
Most people I have asked the question where do you think diamonds come from? Primarily answer coal. When asked why they thought that there was a wide range of responses ranging from “its carbon, that’s what diamonds are made of” to “black rocks that are made very hard”. After owing the article to them there was a moment of “OH I didn’t know that” and then proceeded with “that interesting”. This made me wonder if this is a way to get people interested in geology.
If anyone more has any Geological Urban Legends to share please post below!
Tsunami Detection
Tsunami detection
With the current news pouring out information on the Japanese tsunami, and the effects I was curious as to how waves like this can be detected? Are they presumed to happen or are there warning systems out there and in use right now?
I came across this short video which I found very interesting, even though it want very detailed it did show the expanse of these devices around the globe. Without any surprises however if you look at the location map near the end of the clip you can see that all of the buoys are placed around the ring of fire as earthquakes are the most dominant cause of tsunamis.
Here is the link to the video, hope you enjoy watching.
I couldn’t locate any information on what system gave Japan the warning but here is an article in the Christian Science Monitor about the difference in technology between earthquake detection and tsunami detection. Do we need a better tsunami detection system? This is a question I’m sure many people will be asking and I’m sure the results will become visible soon.
Does Geology Excite People
Does geology excite people?
Now I know the answer from this community is yes, otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this blog or any others similar but does geology interest the general public?
Now that in itself is an interesting question. I believe people are interested in geology but only when it is topical on the main news, such as earthquakes, volcanoes and any other geological hazard. However when it comes to more subtle geological processes and discoveries, for example the discovery of a new fossil not many people are interested.
Museums often hold exhibits with geological themes for example the one below is on Darwin the geologist.
When reading this I did note that the language is very basic and actually has very little reference to any geological term, from this I gathered that it had been targeting people without a geological background. It would have been interesting to see how many people went to the exhibitions without any geological knowledge, and if they did it spark any interest in the field?
Geoscience In Schools
Is our communication as geoscientists failing to reach the general public due to their knowledge base?
Do we need to educate the older generations who understand implication of actions, such as climate change, recourses and hazards alike or should we think about getting a younger audience involved.
Any society that is serious about the education of its children must be equally serious about supporting the continuing education of those charged with that task.... Rapid and extensive improvement of science education is unlikely to occur until it becomes clear to scientists that they have an obligation to become involved in elementary- and secondary-level science."
The Role of Scientists in the Professional Development of Science Teachers
Chapter 3, NRC, 1996
Wendy Van Norden is a science teacher of 27 years has said that we do not teach enough geology. We do not graduate enough geology majors, and, worst of all, we are not doing enough to educate the public about the geosciences. Colleges and middle schools, for the most part, are doing a fine job of teaching the Earth sciences. But, most high school curricula do not include a substantial geology component. The resulting gap not only has lowered the level of geology literacy in our citizens but also has resulted in too few college students choosing to study geology.
I also agree that not enough geology is taught in school, considering our entire economy does filter down to a geologist at some point. With such a multitude of knowledge and implications it is fundamental that more people are educated in basic geology, as this may help correct the miscommunication between the general public and geoscientists.
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