The O in H2O attracts electrons towards it, a property known as electronegativity. And because oxygen attracts electrons towards it, it is ever so slightly positive. Likewise, the hydrogen atoms in a water molecule are ever so slightly negative. The difference in charge across a water molecule is what holds water together as the slightly positive hydrogen atoms are attracted towards the slightly n ...[Read More]
Geology for Global Development
GfGD University Groups
Our conference is over, but there is little time to rest. October-December is a key time to invest in our growing network of University Groups. Today we share a little bit about their purpose, leadership and how to start the process of launching a new one in YOUR university… GfGD University Groups are a key way of outworking our objectives to (i) promote the collective and individual respons ...[Read More]
Geology Jenga
A DYNAMITE journey around western Ireland
The four-year DYNAMITE project (DYNAmic Models in Terrestrial Ecosystems and Landscapes), a teaching and research cooperation programme between the School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, UK and the Departments of Geology and Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science at Lund University, Sweden, recently ended with an excursion for PhD students, postdocs and academic staff from bo ...[Read More]
An Atom's-Eye View of the Planet
How plankton record climate
Climate changes from millions of years ago are recorded at daily rates in ancient sea shells, new research shows. A synchrotron X-ray microscope has revealed growth bands in plankton shells that show how shell chemistry records the sea temperature. The results could allow scientists to chart short timescale changes in ocean temperatures hundreds of millions of years ago. Plankton shells show featu ...[Read More]
Polluting the Internet
Cooking up some aerosol
Ever wondered how many aerosol particles are emitted by microwaving popcorn? Or how polluted a football match is? I’m going to assume your answer is no but it turns out that science has the answer anyway! Outdoor air pollution is a significant concern but air pollution indoors and in other enclosed spaces is of comparable importance. A US study estimated that around half of our exposure to a ...[Read More]
GeoLog
EGU young scientists! Become a Skype mentor for school science projects
For many young scientists getting the time to go into a school directly and work with kids on geoscience related projects is an appealing yet unachievable notion due to the various time and location constraints of research. Luckily, the British Science Association is offering young scientists across Europe the opportunity to mentor school kids undertaking CREST Awards – project based award schemes ...[Read More]
Geology for Global Development
Friday Photo (102): #GfGDconf
A full house at the Geological Society of London on Wednesday, 23rd October, for our first National Conference. 150 students and recent graduates from universities around the UK and ROI joined development professionals and practitioners to ask the question ‘fighting global poverty – can geologists help?’. The answer was a resounding YES, we can. More photos from the day can be fo ...[Read More]
Four Degrees
What’s Geology got to do with it? 2 – Coffee
We should start this post with a declaration of interest. We absolutely love coffee. Whether it’s latte, macchiato, flat white (or cafe au lait for Marion!) we drink it everyday! So for our second installation of “What’s geology got to do with it?’ we’re going to highlight the connections between coffee and geology! As well as being absolutely delicious (and often powering an entire communi ...[Read More]
Geology Jenga
Making the most of your PhD – Part I
It’s been a busy few weeks and one of the reasons for it has been that I’ve recently taken part in an entrepreneurship competition. I attended a three day workshop, where me and my team were given training and guidance on innovation and how to commercialise research. At the end of the three-day workshop, teams present and pitch their ideas for an imaginary environmental start-up compan ...[Read More]
GeoLog
GeoTalk: Will Morgan on podcasts and polluting the internet
This week in GeoTalk, we’re talking to Will Morgan, atmospheric scientist, podcaster and the blogger behind Polluting the Internet… You recently joined the EGU blog network, but you’ve been writing for a while now. What got you blogging? I guess the ultimate reason is that I enjoy talking about science! I’ve been involved with a number of science communication activities for a few years and ...[Read More]