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Any time we walk outdoors during the day, we are immersed in solar radiation from our nearest star, the Sun. One particular range of wavelength from this radiation, ultraviolet, is notorious for its ability

Geologic time is vast and incomplete. Scientists can look at the stratigraphy of rock record and ascertain a great wealth of information about the history of our planet, but any single outcrop or section

This journey starts at a pristine lake. The lake may seem somewhat arbitrary; a random expanse in the upper reaches of a vast watershed that goes in many directions and bisects the land. There are other

As the height of the noontime sun gradually decreases with each passing day, the duration of solar exposure follows suit. The seemingly endless twilight of a northern summer is slowly nudged away by the

Although the Midwestern United States may have a reputation for being composed of featureless, landlocked, corn-dominated farmland, the more northern reaches are punctuated by beautiful forests, lakes,

With the progression of time, I have found that my interests and focuses are steadily changing in intensity and direction. This change is often gradual, punctuated with moments of intense polarity and

In the quest for pure water, even the most ideal techniques of primitive hydration collection can result in water that is contaminated with microbial pathogens. When the risk is just too great for drinking

Water is an essential resource that must be consumed on a regular basis for normal bodily function. This is especially true while backpacking, as a great deal of water is lost to perspiration or through

Few things are more peaceful than strolling through the striking glow of yellow as a young maple grove prepares for the long Northern winter. With significant absences, my desire to write and preach passions

If I were a gambling man, I would bet on the notion that our global energy future must be multifaceted. Through a gradual transition toward renewable energies, several technologies have gained significant

The volcano Kilauea in Hawaii has been actively erupting for nearly a week out of several new fissures that have opened in a residential subdivision known as Leilani Estates. These events and the geology

It is inconsequentially easy to take for granted the many luxuries and conveniences that improve our quality of life. Electricity and other ingenious inventions of amenity can provide comfort and security,

If you have ever experienced randomly finding a beautiful stone laying on the ground, you may be able to understand the allure that entices rockhounds to pursue their endless quest. The determined search

Perception has the tantalizing attribute of malleability. Without direct information from external sources, the endless barrage of outcomes makes just about anything possible. Even with an educated directive,

In the areas surrounding the western-most Great Lake in North America, there is a prized gemstone that is sought after by both novice and veteran rock hounds. It is unique in brilliance and complexity,

It may appear that I am gone; my writing all but stopped! My absence from this lovely site approaching far too long. Inside my mind, the echoes from a random slew of thoughts. But I can seldom justify

For roamers, wanderers, and athletes alike, the truth regarding efficiency of movement over terrain for long distances is no secret: If you want to go farther, faster, with less pain and fatigue, use trekking

A majestic white rock that defies intuition is exposed in various locations throughout the Midwestern United States. It forms towering cliffs and bluffs that can be several hundred feet thick and completely

When considering the climate of our planet in the past, present, and future, it may be useful to begin by first pondering a few basic questions: Has our planet experienced prior climatic variations? What

What happens to lost and forgotten knowledge? That is to say, where do the studies that are not recognized in peer-reviewed journals go to languish? Many research projects are never formally published