Prof Col Macpherson
@colinmacpherson.bsky.social
Rock ̵e̵t̵ ̵ scientist @durhamearthsci.bsky.social 🧪⚒️
Husband, dad, typographical errer
Husband, dad, typographical errer
"Bring plate tectonics please" ⚒️🧪
November 28, 2025 at 3:47 PM
"Bring plate tectonics please" ⚒️🧪
Ashfall Fossil Beds is an astonishing locality of which I was ignorant until last week. Included it in Monday’s Introduction to Volcanoes lecture to @durhamearthsci.bsky.social first years. 🧪🌋⚒️
12 million year old bone-crushing dog tracks!
New article on research we presented at the recent Vert Paleo conference in the UK.
Lots of on-going work at Ashfall Fossil Beds @unsmmorrillhall.bsky.social
Happy Thanksgiving for those in the states. 🦃
www.livescience.com/animals/exti...
New article on research we presented at the recent Vert Paleo conference in the UK.
Lots of on-going work at Ashfall Fossil Beds @unsmmorrillhall.bsky.social
Happy Thanksgiving for those in the states. 🦃
www.livescience.com/animals/exti...
Large, bone-crushing dogs stalked 'Rhino Pompeii' after Yellowstone eruption 12 million years ago, ancient footprints reveal
Researchers have found footprints of large, bone-crushing dogs in the 12 million-year-old Ashfall Fossil Beds in northeastern Nebraska, suggesting these large carnivores may have survived a cataclysmi...
www.livescience.com
November 27, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Ashfall Fossil Beds is an astonishing locality of which I was ignorant until last week. Included it in Monday’s Introduction to Volcanoes lecture to @durhamearthsci.bsky.social first years. 🧪🌋⚒️
Missile preservation has no business being this productive. Apparently WD40 was invented to protect missile housings (WD standing for water deterrent). 🧪🚀
Wire has no business being this interesting.
In 1961, metallurgists at the Naval Ordinance Lab were discussing new alloys to improve missile nose cones that better resisted heat & fatigue.
William J. Buehler passed around 1:1 nickel-titanium wire, folded accordion style. One of them applied heat from a pipe-lighter & it snapped to straight.
William J. Buehler passed around 1:1 nickel-titanium wire, folded accordion style. One of them applied heat from a pipe-lighter & it snapped to straight.
November 26, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Missile preservation has no business being this productive. Apparently WD40 was invented to protect missile housings (WD standing for water deterrent). 🧪🚀
A movie that takes place where you’re from.
November 23, 2025 at 6:17 PM
A movie that takes place where you’re from.
Second single I ever bought. Absolutely belting song.
November 20, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Second single I ever bought. Absolutely belting song.
Understanding of Earth Sciences is fundamental to society's sustainability and development. Please support the department at the University of Leicester which is under threat. ⚒️🧪
c.org/jzkHKh9byy
c.org/jzkHKh9byy
Sign the Petition
Save Geology at the University of Leicester
c.org
November 19, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Understanding of Earth Sciences is fundamental to society's sustainability and development. Please support the department at the University of Leicester which is under threat. ⚒️🧪
c.org/jzkHKh9byy
c.org/jzkHKh9byy
Reposted by Prof Col Macpherson
#Semeru #volcano (East Java, Indonesia): massive block and ash flow created billowing ash plume - A strong eruption occurred at the volcano a couple of hours ago.
At about 04:00 PM local time today, a massive pyroclastic flow descended over the southern slope. The block-and-ash flow has been lik...
At about 04:00 PM local time today, a massive pyroclastic flow descended over the southern slope. The block-and-ash flow has been lik...
Semeru volcano (East Java, Indonesia): massive block and ash flow created billowing ash plume
www.volcanodiscovery.com
November 19, 2025 at 11:43 AM
I watched the Brazil '98 match in The Shakespeare Pub in San Diego, which had opened especially to attract "the Scottish crowd". Kick off was about 8am PST and my mate Stuart (who was visiting) and I wore our kilts. Just us and the barman were there. Still bedlam when John Collins's scored!
The last time Scotland was at a World Cup I watched the opening match against Brazil in my mum’s living room with my mates and a crate of Tennents
Scotland scored to make it 1-1
Everyone ran into the street screaming, neighbours hugging each other
Can still remember that feeling. Here. We. Go.
Scotland scored to make it 1-1
Everyone ran into the street screaming, neighbours hugging each other
Can still remember that feeling. Here. We. Go.
November 19, 2025 at 10:54 AM
I watched the Brazil '98 match in The Shakespeare Pub in San Diego, which had opened especially to attract "the Scottish crowd". Kick off was about 8am PST and my mate Stuart (who was visiting) and I wore our kilts. Just us and the barman were there. Still bedlam when John Collins's scored!
Wait. This can’t be right. What is this strange, joyous feeling? 🏴💙💪
Back at the World Cup after 28 years.
Back at the World Cup after 28 years.
November 18, 2025 at 9:54 PM
Wait. This can’t be right. What is this strange, joyous feeling? 🏴💙💪
Back at the World Cup after 28 years.
Back at the World Cup after 28 years.
Reposted by Prof Col Macpherson
so I've been playing around with AI (GPT), asking it how Pt-bearing sulfide layers form in layered intrusions. I asked critical questions, prompted it to think about physics, and after many iterations, it came up with this model. Utter nonsense, violating physics! Be very careful of AI.
November 18, 2025 at 3:55 AM
so I've been playing around with AI (GPT), asking it how Pt-bearing sulfide layers form in layered intrusions. I asked critical questions, prompted it to think about physics, and after many iterations, it came up with this model. Utter nonsense, violating physics! Be very careful of AI.
Nope. It would appear there is not. 🤦♂️
November 16, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Nope. It would appear there is not. 🤦♂️
Good grief, is there no end to the ways Scotland make themselves agonising to support 🏴
November 15, 2025 at 10:36 PM
Good grief, is there no end to the ways Scotland make themselves agonising to support 🏴
Reposted by Prof Col Macpherson
The application deadline for these has been extended (due to them being open an unreasonably short time initially, not b/c we got too few applications). Dust off your CV, friends. 🧪⚒️
🚨FOUR tenure track positions in my dept @ucalgary.bsky.social @ucalgaryscience.bsky.social in applied & computational geophysics, subsurface geochemistry, sedimentary geology, and sustainable soil science. careers.ucalgary.ca/search/jobs?...
(please reskeet widely!) #academicsky 🧪⚒️🇨🇦
(please reskeet widely!) #academicsky 🧪⚒️🇨🇦
Opportunities
matching 'earth'
Search 4 Careers available at University of Calgary.
careers.ucalgary.ca
November 13, 2025 at 9:54 PM
The application deadline for these has been extended (due to them being open an unreasonably short time initially, not b/c we got too few applications). Dust off your CV, friends. 🧪⚒️
OTD in 1988 Steve Archibald's iconic clincher for @thehibees.bsky.social against Hearts. First Edinburgh derby match I had missed in years. I was sat in A&E having just ruptured two knee ligaments playing in goal for @edinburgh-uni.bsky.social AFC. #GGTTH 💚⚽
November 12, 2025 at 5:18 PM
OTD in 1988 Steve Archibald's iconic clincher for @thehibees.bsky.social against Hearts. First Edinburgh derby match I had missed in years. I was sat in A&E having just ruptured two knee ligaments playing in goal for @edinburgh-uni.bsky.social AFC. #GGTTH 💚⚽
Reposted by Prof Col Macpherson
Rosalind Franklin died at 37 of ovarian cancer attributed to radiation exposure from the methods she & her assistant used to photograph a cross-section of the DNA double helix.
Meanwhile, Watson won a Nobel off that work & survived to the ripe old age of 97 by simply: stealing those notes!
Meanwhile, Watson won a Nobel off that work & survived to the ripe old age of 97 by simply: stealing those notes!
Hey folks, as news of Watson's demise spreads, please don't set aside his weighty legacy of misogyny and racism. He was truly among the worst of us. www.vox.com/2019/1/15/18...
DNA scientist James Watson has a remarkably long history of sexist, racist public comments
“People say it would be terrible if we made all girls pretty,” he said in 2003. “I think it would be great.”
www.vox.com
November 7, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Rosalind Franklin died at 37 of ovarian cancer attributed to radiation exposure from the methods she & her assistant used to photograph a cross-section of the DNA double helix.
Meanwhile, Watson won a Nobel off that work & survived to the ripe old age of 97 by simply: stealing those notes!
Meanwhile, Watson won a Nobel off that work & survived to the ripe old age of 97 by simply: stealing those notes!
Reposted by Prof Col Macpherson
I remain absolutely confused that people *ever* thought screwing with the abyssal sea floor would "get better" after mining.
In 1979, a Mining Test Ravaged the Pacific Seafloor— 44 Years Later, New Evidence Reveals It’s Likely Forever
dailygalaxy.com/2025/11/in-1...
dailygalaxy.com/2025/11/in-1...
In 1979, a Mining Test Ravaged the Pacific Seafloor— 44 Years Later, New Evidence Reveals It’s Likely Forever
A 1979 deep-sea mining test left marks on the Pacific seafloor that remain nearly untouched over four decades later. New research uncovers what really happened in the ocean depths—and why it matters m...
dailygalaxy.com
November 6, 2025 at 9:01 PM
I remain absolutely confused that people *ever* thought screwing with the abyssal sea floor would "get better" after mining.
Reposted by Prof Col Macpherson
Using nitrogen isotopes in seaweed over a 2-year period we have been able to pinpoint the source of poor water quality in Scarborough - further research is required in Scalby Beck to pinpoint the sources of human sewage and agricultural manure
www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/...
www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/...
Seaweed study prompts water quality investigation - Durham University
www.durham.ac.uk
November 5, 2025 at 8:45 AM
Using nitrogen isotopes in seaweed over a 2-year period we have been able to pinpoint the source of poor water quality in Scarborough - further research is required in Scalby Beck to pinpoint the sources of human sewage and agricultural manure
www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/...
www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/...
Reposted by Prof Col Macpherson
🌋Did you know that there's more volcanic activity under the waves than on land?
Find out how underwater explosions impact our planet at the WHOI Ocean Learning Hub, a free resource that's perfect for educators, students, and the ocean-curious:
go.whoi.edu/volcano
📸 via ROV Jason 2009 © #WHOI
Find out how underwater explosions impact our planet at the WHOI Ocean Learning Hub, a free resource that's perfect for educators, students, and the ocean-curious:
go.whoi.edu/volcano
📸 via ROV Jason 2009 © #WHOI
November 5, 2025 at 12:00 AM
🌋Did you know that there's more volcanic activity under the waves than on land?
Find out how underwater explosions impact our planet at the WHOI Ocean Learning Hub, a free resource that's perfect for educators, students, and the ocean-curious:
go.whoi.edu/volcano
📸 via ROV Jason 2009 © #WHOI
Find out how underwater explosions impact our planet at the WHOI Ocean Learning Hub, a free resource that's perfect for educators, students, and the ocean-curious:
go.whoi.edu/volcano
📸 via ROV Jason 2009 © #WHOI
If you are ever close by then do this walk - both the scenery and geology are glorious. It's where we take @durhamearthsci.bsky.social freshers for their first fieldtrip and is always a stunning day out (even in this year's downpour!)
Country diary (Part 2): autumn colours in Teesdale
"The various parts of the waterfall, sparkled in the autumn sunshine and all seemed well in the world"
northeastbylines.co.uk/region/north...
"The various parts of the waterfall, sparkled in the autumn sunshine and all seemed well in the world"
northeastbylines.co.uk/region/north...
Country diary (Part 2): autumn colours in Teesdale
"The various parts of the waterfall, sparkled in the autumn sunshine and all seemed well in the world"
northeastbylines.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 11:01 AM
If you are ever close by then do this walk - both the scenery and geology are glorious. It's where we take @durhamearthsci.bsky.social freshers for their first fieldtrip and is always a stunning day out (even in this year's downpour!)
Reposted by Prof Col Macpherson
🚨 new paper and proud supervisor moment 🚨
A former 4th year undergraduate research project student has published her work: www.jvolcanica.org/ojs/index.ph...
Social sensing the 2018 Kīlauea Volcanic eruption through community Facebook use
#volcanology #risk #hazards 🧪⚒️🌋
A former 4th year undergraduate research project student has published her work: www.jvolcanica.org/ojs/index.ph...
Social sensing the 2018 Kīlauea Volcanic eruption through community Facebook use
#volcanology #risk #hazards 🧪⚒️🌋
Social sensing the 2018 Kīlauea Volcanic eruption through community Facebook use
| Volcanica
www.jvolcanica.org
November 5, 2025 at 9:56 AM
🚨 new paper and proud supervisor moment 🚨
A former 4th year undergraduate research project student has published her work: www.jvolcanica.org/ojs/index.ph...
Social sensing the 2018 Kīlauea Volcanic eruption through community Facebook use
#volcanology #risk #hazards 🧪⚒️🌋
A former 4th year undergraduate research project student has published her work: www.jvolcanica.org/ojs/index.ph...
Social sensing the 2018 Kīlauea Volcanic eruption through community Facebook use
#volcanology #risk #hazards 🧪⚒️🌋
Splendid timing for my crust/mantle evolution lecture on Monday. 😃 Dreadful timing as that lecture is already five minutes too long 😩🧪⚒️
Earth's crust extracted from the mantle post-3.5 Ga - revealed by these exquisite Laser Ablation Sr isotope maps. Great example new technology yielding new information about the Earth. Also the lowest 87/86Sr ever measured on Earth (0.700050)!! www.nature.com/articles/s41...
November 5, 2025 at 9:56 AM
Splendid timing for my crust/mantle evolution lecture on Monday. 😃 Dreadful timing as that lecture is already five minutes too long 😩🧪⚒️
Reposted by Prof Col Macpherson
📢 PhD opportunity at Newcastle University!
👉"Reconstructing past ice-sheet retreat and ice-ocean interactions from marine sediment cores".
This project will use new marine sediment cores to constrain the timing and drivers of past ice-sheet retreat.
More details: iapetus.ac.uk/studentships...
👉"Reconstructing past ice-sheet retreat and ice-ocean interactions from marine sediment cores".
This project will use new marine sediment cores to constrain the timing and drivers of past ice-sheet retreat.
More details: iapetus.ac.uk/studentships...
November 3, 2025 at 1:58 PM
📢 PhD opportunity at Newcastle University!
👉"Reconstructing past ice-sheet retreat and ice-ocean interactions from marine sediment cores".
This project will use new marine sediment cores to constrain the timing and drivers of past ice-sheet retreat.
More details: iapetus.ac.uk/studentships...
👉"Reconstructing past ice-sheet retreat and ice-ocean interactions from marine sediment cores".
This project will use new marine sediment cores to constrain the timing and drivers of past ice-sheet retreat.
More details: iapetus.ac.uk/studentships...
Stunning TV this was
Great news - one of the best mini-series ever with a dazzling & eccentric screenplay by Troy Kennedy Martin & superb direction by Martin Campbell is back on iplayer.
If you haven’t seen it then you’re in for a real treat.
Come for Bob Peck, stay for Joe Don Baker.
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
If you haven’t seen it then you’re in for a real treat.
Come for Bob Peck, stay for Joe Don Baker.
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
Edge of Darkness - Series 1: 1. Compassionate Leave
Thriller set in a world of obsessive state security. Ronald Craven is haunted by the murder of his daughter and begins his own investigation into her death.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 2, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Stunning TV this was
Well this will cause a bit of a stink ... 🧪⚒️🌋🌍
www.geochemicalperspectivesletters.org/article2539/...
www.geochemicalperspectivesletters.org/article2539/...
Halogens in proto-Iceland plume basalts | Geochemical Perspectives Letters
www.geochemicalperspectivesletters.org
October 31, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Well this will cause a bit of a stink ... 🧪⚒️🌋🌍
www.geochemicalperspectivesletters.org/article2539/...
www.geochemicalperspectivesletters.org/article2539/...
Happy World Lemur Day!
October 31, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Happy World Lemur Day!