March 19, 2020
The Lite Geology Spring 2020 Issue is now available for free download!
The theme of this issue is “The Fascinating Rocks of NM”.
New Mexico is known as the “Land of Enchantment” for good reason. Stunning formations dot the state, presenting travelers with excellent places to visit. In this edition of Lite Geology, we investigate fascinating geology from around New Mexico. We start our journey in the southeast at the Permian Basin Capitan Reef, then head over to Carlsbad, to discover how Carlsbad Caverns formed. We then travel north to the Cretaceous/Tertiary (K/T) boundary, near Raton—stopping for lunch at Steamboat Butte. We’ll also discuss “Rockiology,” a Citizen Science project in which you and your students can participate. Next, we’ll visit the Jemez Mountains, Valles Caldera complex and for our final destination, we’ll examine the remnants of a volcanic neck at Ship Rock. Our “Through the Handlens” interview features Dr. Kate Zeigler, who discusses her work as a state-wide consulting geologist. Buckle up and get ready for a geologic tour of New Mexico’s fabulous landscapes!
Featured articles are:
- The Capital Reef Complex of New Mexico and West Texas by Kelsey McNamara
- DEEP Thoughts about Carlsbad Carverns, New Mexico by Talon Newton
- The K/T Boundary Mass Extinction by Marissa Fichera
- Steamboat Butte Lunch Break Lesson Plan: Creating an Edible Angular Unconformity by Cynthia Connolly
- Rockiology: Citizen Science for You and Me! by Kaarin Goncz
- Earth Briefs: The World-Renowned Rocks of the Valles Caldera, Jemez Mountains, New Mexico by Shari Kelley
- Ship Rock: The Monolith of Northwest New Mexico by Dan Koning
- Through the Handlens with Dr. Kate Zeigler by Kate Zeigler