Geology course review: John McPhee

Summary

In this reflective narrative, John recounts his unexpected journey from an English major to spending two decades writing about geology. Despite the challenging and technical nature of the subject, he found himself drawn to the poetic and descriptive language used by geologists. The script highlights the beauty and allure of geological terms, which he likens to a fountain of metaphor, resonating deeply with his background in the humanities. This unlikely passion project showcases the intersection of science and literature, where the language of geology becomes as evocative and compelling as any work of art.

Takeaways

• 🎓 The speaker, John, majored in English and took various science courses in college and high school, including geology, to satisfy curiosity and distributional requirements.
• 🌏 John spent 20 years writing about geology, a field he was not originally trained in, which he describes as a 'mind-fracture' and 'masochistic' endeavor.
• 📚 The speaker chose to write about geology because he found the language and descriptions used by geologists to be rich, descriptive, and metaphorical, resonating with his background in the humanities.
• 🏞️ Geology, as a science, is described as being full of vivid imagery and poetic language, which appealed to John's English-major sensibilities.
• 🗣️ Geologists communicate in a way that is deeply tied to the English language, using terms that are evocative and resonate with the speaker.
• 🔍 The script highlights specific geological terms and concepts that are used to describe the physical processes and features of the Earth, such as 'isostatic adjustments' and 'angular unconformity'.
• 🌄 The speaker is drawn to the narrative and storytelling aspect of geology, which includes the history and evolution of the Earth's surface.
• 📖 The book 'Annals of the Former World' is mentioned as a source of inspiration for the speaker's interest in geology, with a particular paragraph that encapsulates his fascination.
• 🌋 The speaker finds the language of geology to be as engaging as the subject matter itself, with terms like 'orogeny' and 'Laramide orogeny' stirring a sense of wonder and curiosity.
• 🌐 The script contrasts the geological histories of different regions, such as the conservative center of the United States versus the more dynamic and 'wild' geology of the Far West.

Q & A

Why did John choose to write about geology despite having a background in English?

John was drawn to geology because of its rich descriptive language and metaphorical richness, which he found to be akin to the humanities. He saw a connection between the way geologists communicated and the way writers use language to evoke emotions and imagery.

What does John mean when he refers to geology as a 'descriptive science'?

John means that geology is a field that involves detailed descriptions of natural phenomena. It uses vivid language to describe geological features and processes, which he found to be poetic and engaging.

How does John describe the process of streams eroding mountains?

John describes the process as streams 'eroded head were digging from two sides into a mountain or Hill, avidly struggling toward each other until the divide between them broke down.' This creates a visual of two streams working in opposition until they merge into one, altering the landscape.

What is an 'isostatic adjustment' in the context of the script?

An 'isostatic adjustment' refers to the Earth's crust responding to the removal or addition of weight, such as from glacial ice or sediment. It's a geological term that John appreciates for its descriptive nature.

What does John find fascinating about geological terms like 'thrust fault' and 'reverse fault'?

John is fascinated by how geological terms like 'thrust fault' and 'reverse fault' not only describe geological processes but also carry a sense of action and movement, which he finds compelling and evocative.

Why does John mention 'fatigued rock' and 'incompetent rock'?

John mentions 'fatigued rock' and 'incompetent rock' to illustrate the descriptive language used in geology, which personifies rocks and formations, making the science more relatable and engaging.

What does the term 'angle of repose' signify in geology?

The 'angle of repose' signifies the steepest angle at which a slope or surface will remain stable without collapsing. It's the angle at which boulders will stay put, indicating a balance between gravitational forces and friction.

How does John relate the term 'orogeny' to the history of the United States' geological past?

John relates 'orogeny' to the geological history of the United States by describing various orogenic events that shaped the country's landscape, such as the Appalachian, Acadian, and Laramide orogenies.

What does John find intriguing about the geological history of the East and the West of the United States?

John finds it intriguing that the East was once geologically active and unstable, undergoing multiple orogenies, while the West is currently more geologically dynamic with processes like strike-slip faults and volcanic activity.

Why does John describe the Far West as 'wild, weird' and wearing a 'leather jacket'?

John uses this description to convey the rugged, untamed, and complex nature of the Far West's geology, which is characterized by active tectonic movements, volcanic activity, and a landscape that is constantly changing.

What does John's fascination with geology say about his approach to writing?

John's fascination with geology suggests that he approaches writing with a deep appreciation for the descriptive and metaphorical potential of language, seeking to capture the essence of complex subjects in a way that resonates with readers.