Author Archives: earth science society

About earth science society

I am an earth scientist. Understanding earth is essential for the well-being of our global society. Earth is fascinating, science is fascinating and a better understanding of both can help society forward. This blog attempts to make a contribution to raising awareness of these issues.

The 2nd Sichuan earthquake in 5 years / why we need more art in science communication

Posted on April 20, 2013 by earth science society

Yesterday, on April 20, 2013, an earthquake struck in China’s Sichuan province. Because this is the blog of an earth scientist, I’ll give you the link to the USGS’s report: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/usb000gcdd#summary . This write-up is excellent and that’s how we … Continue reading →

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Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent

Posted on April 14, 2013 by earth science society

When the Canadian Minister of Natural Resources, Joe Oliver, proclaimed this week in an official press conference that our concern for climate change was ‘exaggerated’, the press rightly fell over him. There is a good summary of that controversial event … Continue reading →

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Dear Dr. Johnston, Your Excellency

Posted on March 26, 2013 by earth science society

Your appointment as Governor General of Canada was an excellent choice. You are a person of stellar reputation. As a scientist, I was thrilled that a scientist of your stature was appointed to this office. During your relatively short term … Continue reading →

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Rise to the challenge: #$5millionforscience

Posted on March 2, 2013 by earth science society

Two weeks ago the Canadian government announced the creation of a Federal office for Religious Freedom. It will cost Canadian tax payers $5 million per year. Many Canadians, including myself, do not believe this is a good money destination. Many … Continue reading →

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Barrier Island Erosion / Sea Level Rise / Transgressive Anthropogenic Sequences /

Posted on February 20, 2013 by earth science society

Thanks to Twitter, I was made aware of a recent US report, entitled “Coastal impact, Adaptation and Vulnerabilities”. A summary of the report is here: http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=3496#.USVxRFc-6OJ. What caught my attention on that page was the ‘before and after Hurricane Sandy’ … Continue reading →

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Wrong Question: can fracking be done safely?

Posted on February 16, 2013 by earth science society

August 2021 A lot has changed in 8 years. My position on hydraulic fracturing has changed too. I could delete this post, but I’m not going to do that. A lot has changed: the climate crisis has deepened and the … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy, Nova Scotia | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

What is a natural disaster?

Posted on January 14, 2013 by earth science society

I recently watched a very informative webinar by Munich Re. It was their annual webinar on the world’s natural disasters, for 2012 that is. All Munich Re’s webinars are here. I highly recommend dedicating an hour of your time to watch some … Continue reading →

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Dear Mr. Carney

Posted on December 20, 2012 by earth science society

That must have been a lovely stay, a “short week” (I’m quoting the Globe and Mail) with your family near the small village of Cheverie on the shores of our beautiful Minas Basin. As a proud constituent of Mr. Brison, … Continue reading →

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The tidal landscape banner photo: Minas Basin, Nova Scotia, Canada

Posted on December 13, 2012 by earth science society

UPDATED December 29, 2014 This was my blog’s banner photo until January 1, 2015. What are you looking at? In a world of Google Earth where everyone has a GPS in their cell phone, I should start with the coordinates. … Continue reading →

Posted in General geoscience, Minas Basin, Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Rachel Carson – as relevant today as she was 50 years ago

Posted on November 29, 2012 by earth science society

There is a new biography of Rachel Carson, the author of “Silent Spring”, which was published 50 years ago this year. The biography is by William Souder and is entitled “On a Farther Shore: The Life and Legacy of Rachel … Continue reading →

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A day to celebrate women in Science: Kiek Jelgersma

Posted on October 15, 2012 by earth science society

October 16 is Ada Lovelace day, a day to celebrate inspiring women in science. What a great opportunity to write about two women geoscientists who I admired and knew. First I will write about Dr. Saskia Jelgersma, better known as … Continue reading →

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