Welcome!

This blog provides commentary on interesting geological events occurring around the world in the context of my own work. This work is, broadly, geological fluid dynamics. The events that I highlight here are those that resonate with my professional life and ideas, and my goal is to interpret them in the context of ideas I've developed in my research. The blog does not represent any particular research agenda. It is written on a personal basis and does not seek to represent the University of Illinois, where I am a professor of geology and physics. Enjoy Geology in Motion! I would be glad to be alerted to geologic events of interest to post here! I hope that this blog can provide current event materials that will make geology come alive.

Banner image is by Ludie Cochrane..

Susan Kieffer can be contacted at s1kieffer at gmail.com


Friday, August 9, 2019

Glacial outburst from Mount Rainier Monday night!

From The New Tribune
A small glacial outburst from the South Tahoma Glacier on Mount Rainier occurred on Monday night, closing a road and trail in the national park. The glacier is on the southwest side of the mountain. Park staff noticed that Tahoma Creek had turned muddy grey with sediment. At least 32 such floods have occurred in the last 52 years. Geologists anticipate that more outbursts could occur in the next weeks to months. A video is available in the article by Craig Sailor at The News Tribune.