I think "The world is a turnip" is an original Hutton quote... but when I tried to pin it down on the internet the only reference it came up with was an earlier piece by me!
The character of Hutton springs to life in these few glimpses that are available. The geology remains a dizzying prospect as we hang on to the rocks around us. Enjoyed this.
Actually quite a bit is known about Hutton's life and he does come across as a very engaging character. In one of his letters he asks us to commiserate with the arse of a geologist which has to travel huge distances on horseback.
Lovely piece. We were taken on school trips to Pease Bay no doubt to learn about rocks although I think we just dug holes in the sand. Good to see Berwickshire featuring!
Hutton's specific insight was that there had to be some uplift process to counterbalance erosion. He believed that upwelling granite lifted and folded the surrounding rocks - he had no inkling that moving continents crashed into each other raising crumple folds. Just identifying granite as an igneous rock was a big deal.
Fascinating recap of long forgotten history and exploration on my part - thanks for this and a fresh and interesting perspective, Ronald. The photograph of you sitting on your ORS was amusing, even after I reread it correctly! All the best, John.
Turnips? Your mind moves in a mysterious way Ron - lol
I think "The world is a turnip" is an original Hutton quote... but when I tried to pin it down on the internet the only reference it came up with was an earlier piece by me!
"Unknown process folding those rocks and tilting them up on edge." Was this an early inkling of plate tectonics?
His unconformity on Arran is an excellent walk from Lochranza (where the golf course frequently has deer hazards)
His unconformity on Arran is an excellent walk from Lochranza (where the golf course frequently has deer hazards)
His unconformity on Arran is an excellent walk from Lochranza (where the golf course frequently has deer hazards)
The character of Hutton springs to life in these few glimpses that are available. The geology remains a dizzying prospect as we hang on to the rocks around us. Enjoyed this.
Actually quite a bit is known about Hutton's life and he does come across as a very engaging character. In one of his letters he asks us to commiserate with the arse of a geologist which has to travel huge distances on horseback.
Lovely piece. We were taken on school trips to Pease Bay no doubt to learn about rocks although I think we just dug holes in the sand. Good to see Berwickshire featuring!
Pease Bay is great for that as well!
Hutton's specific insight was that there had to be some uplift process to counterbalance erosion. He believed that upwelling granite lifted and folded the surrounding rocks - he had no inkling that moving continents crashed into each other raising crumple folds. Just identifying granite as an igneous rock was a big deal.
Fascinating recap of long forgotten history and exploration on my part - thanks for this and a fresh and interesting perspective, Ronald. The photograph of you sitting on your ORS was amusing, even after I reread it correctly! All the best, John.