Winning a modern war is much about sedimentology

Figure 1. The Salt Wash Formation has been interpreted as the preserved deposits from a distributary fluvial system. Some of its sandstone beds bear relatively high uranium concentrations (read more about the fluvial interpretations here: https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/sepm/jsedres/article-abstract/85/5/544/145482/Quantification-of-a-Distributive-Fluvial-System). Russia has invaded Ukraine. We have been reading and watching in the news how some pieces of  high-tech equipment […]

Ganar una guerra moderna tiene mucho que ver con la sedimentología

Figura 1. La Formación Salt Wash ha sido interpretada como los depósitos preservados de un sistema fluvial distributario. Algunas de sus capas de arenisca presentan concentraciones relativamente altas de uranio (lee más sobre las interpretaciones fluviales aquí: https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/sepm/jsedres/article-abstract/85/5/544/145482/Quantification-of-a-Distributive-Fluvial-System). Rusia ha invadido Ucrania. Hemos estado leyendo y viendo en las noticias cómo algunos equipos y armas […]

Deep-ocean sediments. Part 2: Thermohaline currents that shape the seafloor

In Part 1, we differentiate between (1) tidal-related currents in shallow marine waters and (2) purely gravitational sedimentary currents. We could add that the former are periodic, as they are controlled by the gravitational fields of the Moon and the Sun on ocean water as the Earth rotates, whereas the latter are ‘spontaneous’ currents driven […]

Deep ocean sediments, Part 1: Flows that shape the seafloor.

Most of us are aware of the existence of waves and tides. We can see them along our coastlines, and although we may not pay much attention to them, we also know that waves and tides move the sediment resting on the seabed: sand, mud, shells, and… plastics. We can all observe ripples and small […]

Psychology in outcrop studies: Heuristic biases: our “best” enemies?

There are not many scientific publications addressing the issue of subjectivity in geological studies and its impact. In one of them, Baddeley et al. (2004) clearly express it in a few phrases: “expert judgments may be biased by their use of heuristics to guide the formation of their opinions” or “the accepted or prior opinions […]

La Popa Ancient Sedimentary Systems (LAPASS)

LAPASS (Ancient Sedimentary Systems of La Popa) is the result of continuous fieldwork since 2017. We have been mapping the La Popa Basin in Nuevo León and Coahuila, Mexico, diligently improving and correcting previous work done by earlier geologists. LAPASS offers professionals a unique opportunity to delve into salt tectonics and its impact on sedimentary […]

Sistemas Sedimentarios Antiguos de La Popa (LAPASS)

LAPASS (Sistemas Sedimentarios Antiguos de La Popa) es el resultado de un trabajo de campo continuo desde 2017. Hemos estado mapeando la Cuenca de La Popa en Nuevo León y Coahuila, México, mejorando y corrigiendo diligentemente trabajos previos realizados por geólogos anteriores. LAPASS ofrece a los profesionales una oportunidad única para profundizar en la tectónica […]