Author Archives: Ron Miksha

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About Ron Miksha

Ron Miksha is a bee ecologist working at the University of Calgary. He is also a geophysicist and does a bit of science writing and blogging. Ron has worked as a radio broadcaster, a beekeeper, and Earth scientist. (Ask him about seismic waves.) He's based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Isostasy Man

Posted on May 16, 2015 by Ron Miksha

Since it was Major Clarence Dutton’s 174th birthday yesterday, I thought I’d give him a nod for creating a simple geological concept that almost every geo-freshman finds impossibly confusing. Isostasy should be as easy to understand as a melting iceberg … Continue reading →

Posted in Biography, Geology, History | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Solid to the Core

Posted on May 13, 2015 by Ron Miksha

The Earth is like a chocolate-covered cherry. A bit bigger and harder to eat in one bite, but there are similarities. Like a cherry, the core is solid, but floats in a liquid. Next comes a thick layer of creamy … Continue reading →

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A Year of Mystery

Posted on May 9, 2015 by Ron Miksha

I began writing this blog – The Mountain Mystery – exactly one year ago. So, as far as blogs go, this is a young one. It is a loosely cohesive collection of stories about the Earth. The only real themes … Continue reading →

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Created Last Thursday

Posted on May 8, 2015 by Ron Miksha

It’s hard to argue with someone who says that the whole universe was created last Thursday.   Everything in its place, a stage built and actors entering. Is this the way you picture reality? I hope not – you would be … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, How Geophysics Works, Non-drift Theories, Plate Tectonics, Religion | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Smokers and Worms

Posted on May 4, 2015 by Ron Miksha

If all life on the surface of the Earth died, who (or what) would mourn the loss? Not such a hypothetical question. A miscreant meteor could end our little party in a flash. But there is a rather good chance … Continue reading →

Posted in Geology, Oceans | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Back to Katmandu

Posted on May 1, 2015 by Ron Miksha

“The ATMs aren’t working. My cell phone gets a signal for just an hour a day – but I keep trying over and over again. When the battery runs out, I don’t know what I’ll do – there’s nowhere to … Continue reading →

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The Man on the Moon

Posted on April 28, 2015 by Ron Miksha

Eugene Shoemaker is the only man on the moon. It’s his birthday, he would be 87 today, but he won’t know it. Shoemaker has been dead for almost twenty years. His ashes have been on the moon since 1997. Unless … Continue reading →

Posted in Biography, Exploration, Geology, History, People, Space | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Katmandown

Posted on April 27, 2015 by Ron Miksha

Katmandu’s earthquake was a tragic surprise; but not unexpected. Katmandu sits atop a fault that releases pressure as continental crust merges. India, which was an island until 25 million years ago, continues shoving itself into Asia. This sparring of continents … Continue reading →

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Sit on a continent, go for a ride.

Posted on April 25, 2015 by Ron Miksha

Of course you know about plate tectonics. Sit on a continent, go for a ride. You were probably told in grade school that continents move with as much speed (and unstoppable determination) as your fingernails are supposed to grow. That’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Geology, Plate Tectonics | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Curse of the Petrified Tree Trunks

Posted on April 21, 2015 by Ron Miksha

Summer driving season is creeping up on us and the world’s national parks want to again warn visitors that removing protected rocks and artifacts can get you into big trouble. With the government, of course. But even worse, you may … Continue reading →

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