Geology

Last night our Master Naturalist chapter had a geology speaker.  I can't remember his name but I do remember that he had a degree in earth sciences and an advanced degree in computer science and is currently employed at Wells Fargo as a computer architect.  At one time in his life he was a naturalist in the Badlands of South Dakota.  He was really interesting.  He had a way of weaving ideas together that made sense yet were challenging.  He said Minnesota has some of the most interesting geologic features on this planet.  We have some really, really old rock exposed here.  He talked about the formation of the planet, how the moon was formed, black holes, Pangaea, agates, rift valleys both here and in Africa, the periodic table of elements, carbon dating, St. Peter sandstone, fracking, erosion, ice ages, tectonic plates, tsunamis, earthquakes, and the Milky Way.  I don't remember all that he said but I enjoyed every minute of his talk. His enthusiasm and his ability to connect with his audience were very charming.  He makes me want to learn more about geology.