Prof Col Macpherson
@colinmacpherson.bsky.social
Rock ̵e̵t̵ ̵ scientist @durhamearthsci.bsky.social 🧪⚒️
Husband, dad, typographical errer
Husband, dad, typographical errer
Make a Bond movie academic:
Diamonds Are Forever: The continental lithospheric mantle as a repository for subducted carbon.
Diamonds Are Forever: The continental lithospheric mantle as a repository for subducted carbon.
Make a Bond movie academic:
Moonraker: high and low plausible ROI of asteroid mining and Earth Orbit resource gathering weighted to account for scalable de-orbital delivery of captured material
Moonraker: high and low plausible ROI of asteroid mining and Earth Orbit resource gathering weighted to account for scalable de-orbital delivery of captured material
make a Bond movie academic:
Casino Royale: The Political Economy of Capitalism & Global Finance, by Susan Strange
Casino Royale: The Political Economy of Capitalism & Global Finance, by Susan Strange
December 26, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Make a Bond movie academic:
Diamonds Are Forever: The continental lithospheric mantle as a repository for subducted carbon.
Diamonds Are Forever: The continental lithospheric mantle as a repository for subducted carbon.
Reposted by Prof Col Macpherson
#Home Reef #volcano (Tonga Islands): new effusive eruption with two lava flows - A new effusive period at the volcano started over the past days.
Following a strong thermal anomaly detection in the Sentinel-2 satellite imagery from 17 ad 22 December, new lava flows appear to be commenced descend...
Following a strong thermal anomaly detection in the Sentinel-2 satellite imagery from 17 ad 22 December, new lava flows appear to be commenced descend...
Home Reef volcano (Tonga Islands): new effusive eruption with two lava flows
www.volcanodiscovery.com
December 24, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Kilauea has put on its Christmas lights 🌋⚒️🧪
www.youtube.com/live/gXKuUyK...
www.youtube.com/live/gXKuUyK...
[V3cam] Kīlauea volcano, Hawaii (south Halemaʻumaʻu crater)
YouTube video by USGS
www.youtube.com
December 24, 2025 at 10:17 AM
Kilauea has put on its Christmas lights 🌋⚒️🧪
www.youtube.com/live/gXKuUyK...
www.youtube.com/live/gXKuUyK...
Probably just a dodgy kebab after a night in the Bigg Market
December 24, 2025 at 10:13 AM
Probably just a dodgy kebab after a night in the Bigg Market
Reposted by Prof Col Macpherson
🚨Extremely short notice: Looking for prospective PhD or postdoc w/ geological engineering or modelling experience, w/ interests in mountain geohazards for project focused on landslide-triggered tsunamis in subarctic w/ me & @geocron.bsky.social 🧵 🧪⚒️ Pls share!
nserc-crsng.canada.ca/en/news/laun...
nserc-crsng.canada.ca/en/news/laun...
Launch of new Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards
As announced in Budget 2025 -
nserc-crsng.canada.ca
December 23, 2025 at 8:43 PM
🚨Extremely short notice: Looking for prospective PhD or postdoc w/ geological engineering or modelling experience, w/ interests in mountain geohazards for project focused on landslide-triggered tsunamis in subarctic w/ me & @geocron.bsky.social 🧵 🧪⚒️ Pls share!
nserc-crsng.canada.ca/en/news/laun...
nserc-crsng.canada.ca/en/news/laun...
Reposted by Prof Col Macpherson
I work on #geothermal energy projects and find the #geology, and its potential for helping us decarbonise heating, exciting.
But…it always frustrates me when it’s framed as being a somewhat out-there, somewhat futuristic technology, when it’s actually been around for *ages*…
But…it always frustrates me when it’s framed as being a somewhat out-there, somewhat futuristic technology, when it’s actually been around for *ages*…
Deep drilling to 10–20 km down is challenging. Success would mean unlocking near-limitless, 24/7 clean power. Here's how projects in the UK, US, and EU show the breakthroughs are coming ⤵️
@eastangliabylines.co.uk @stephenmcnair.bsky.social
@eastangliabylines.co.uk @stephenmcnair.bsky.social
Unlimited energy: reaching for the heat beneath our feet
Deep below us, is a vast untapped source of sustainable energy waiting to be released. Slowly, we are finding ways to tap into it
eastangliabylines.co.uk
December 23, 2025 at 8:58 PM
I work on #geothermal energy projects and find the #geology, and its potential for helping us decarbonise heating, exciting.
But…it always frustrates me when it’s framed as being a somewhat out-there, somewhat futuristic technology, when it’s actually been around for *ages*…
But…it always frustrates me when it’s framed as being a somewhat out-there, somewhat futuristic technology, when it’s actually been around for *ages*…
Reposted by Prof Col Macpherson
In 'The Scientist's Guide to Writing', I offer this as an example of writing that's fairly technical (for public-facing writing) but also beautiful. Reading copyedits and just struck again by how lovely this passage is.
December 23, 2025 at 1:46 PM
In 'The Scientist's Guide to Writing', I offer this as an example of writing that's fairly technical (for public-facing writing) but also beautiful. Reading copyedits and just struck again by how lovely this passage is.
Stops global warming 🧪
NEW: Organ tuners have been leaving temperature and humidity records in little-known books for decades. 🎹
They reveal how temperatures inside churches have changed over time due to climate change and increased heating.
A new scoop for The Reengineer!
www.thereengineer.pro/p/church-org...
They reveal how temperatures inside churches have changed over time due to climate change and increased heating.
A new scoop for The Reengineer!
www.thereengineer.pro/p/church-org...
Church organ tuning records mirror our warming climate
The records appear to reflect climate change, as well as the increased heating of churches in winter
www.thereengineer.pro
December 22, 2025 at 10:19 PM
Stops global warming 🧪
In the days when I regularly visited pubs with duke boxes, Texas was one of my go to choices. 😢
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c0...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c0...
Chris Rea: Driving Home for Christmas singer dies aged 74
A statement from his wife and two children says he
www.bbc.co.uk
December 22, 2025 at 5:54 PM
In the days when I regularly visited pubs with duke boxes, Texas was one of my go to choices. 😢
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c0...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c0...
Reposted by Prof Col Macpherson
December 22, 1872, HMS Challenger set sail from Portsmouth, traveling nearly 70,00 nautical miles & cataloguing over 4,000 unknown species over 4 years.
This pioneering expedition, organized by the Royal Society, laid the foundations of oceanography by creating the first global map of the seafloor.
This pioneering expedition, organized by the Royal Society, laid the foundations of oceanography by creating the first global map of the seafloor.
December 22, 2025 at 12:13 PM
December 22, 1872, HMS Challenger set sail from Portsmouth, traveling nearly 70,00 nautical miles & cataloguing over 4,000 unknown species over 4 years.
This pioneering expedition, organized by the Royal Society, laid the foundations of oceanography by creating the first global map of the seafloor.
This pioneering expedition, organized by the Royal Society, laid the foundations of oceanography by creating the first global map of the seafloor.
It is, however, down 870‰.
#MakeStableIsotopesGreatAgain
#MakeStableIsotopesGreatAgain
FOX: If you cut something by 100%, the cost goes down to 0. If you cut it by 600%, the drug companies are actually paying you
LUTNICK: What he's saying is if a drug was $100 and you bring it down to $13, it's down 7 times
F: Not a 600% cut
L: But it's 700% higher price before. It's down 700% now
LUTNICK: What he's saying is if a drug was $100 and you bring it down to $13, it's down 7 times
F: Not a 600% cut
L: But it's 700% higher price before. It's down 700% now
December 19, 2025 at 1:33 PM
It is, however, down 870‰.
#MakeStableIsotopesGreatAgain
#MakeStableIsotopesGreatAgain
Reposted by Prof Col Macpherson
At an @agu.org Town Hall today, @ncar-ucar.bsky.social President Antonio Busalacchi spoke to #AGU25 attendees about what's at stake if NCAR is dismantled.
One attendee asked anyone who uses NCAR research to stand up. Almost everyone in the room stood.
Read more here:
eos.org/research-and...
One attendee asked anyone who uses NCAR research to stand up. Almost everyone in the room stood.
Read more here:
eos.org/research-and...
December 18, 2025 at 8:30 PM
At an @agu.org Town Hall today, @ncar-ucar.bsky.social President Antonio Busalacchi spoke to #AGU25 attendees about what's at stake if NCAR is dismantled.
One attendee asked anyone who uses NCAR research to stand up. Almost everyone in the room stood.
Read more here:
eos.org/research-and...
One attendee asked anyone who uses NCAR research to stand up. Almost everyone in the room stood.
Read more here:
eos.org/research-and...
Reposted by Prof Col Macpherson
The science is clear on glacier change – and the perils of ignoring it are even clearer. Read more from Prof Chris Stokes @geogdurham.bsky.social and colleagues on how efforts to downplay the latest scientific findings are “alarming” 👉 www.durham.ac.uk/research/cur...
Earth’s frozen regions are sending a clear warning about climate change – but politicians are ignoring it - Durham University
www.durham.ac.uk
December 18, 2025 at 4:40 PM
The science is clear on glacier change – and the perils of ignoring it are even clearer. Read more from Prof Chris Stokes @geogdurham.bsky.social and colleagues on how efforts to downplay the latest scientific findings are “alarming” 👉 www.durham.ac.uk/research/cur...
Last #ThinSectionThursday this year from me. Beautiful Balvenie troctolite in XPL. A large olivine crystal is cross cut by oxide veins representing fluid pathways, which become thinner but more numerous as they radiate out through the surrounding plagioclase, which retains striking twinning. 🧪⚒️🌋
December 18, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Last #ThinSectionThursday this year from me. Beautiful Balvenie troctolite in XPL. A large olivine crystal is cross cut by oxide veins representing fluid pathways, which become thinner but more numerous as they radiate out through the surrounding plagioclase, which retains striking twinning. 🧪⚒️🌋
Reposted by Prof Col Macpherson
Delighted to see the UK rejoin Erasmus.
From my own experience, it’s about far more than studying abroad; it’s about confidence, connections, and horizons widened.
A real win for students and the future.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
From my own experience, it’s about far more than studying abroad; it’s about confidence, connections, and horizons widened.
A real win for students and the future.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
UK to rejoin EU’s Erasmus student exchange programme
Exclusive: British students will be able to participate in EU-wide scheme from January 2027, sources say
www.theguardian.com
December 17, 2025 at 9:28 AM
Delighted to see the UK rejoin Erasmus.
From my own experience, it’s about far more than studying abroad; it’s about confidence, connections, and horizons widened.
A real win for students and the future.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
From my own experience, it’s about far more than studying abroad; it’s about confidence, connections, and horizons widened.
A real win for students and the future.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
This is pretty extraordinary: dinosaur footprints 🦕⚒️🧪
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Stelvio national park: Thousands of dinosaur footprints found on Italian mountain
The footprints date back some 210 million years and show traces of toes and claws.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 17, 2025 at 9:52 AM
This is pretty extraordinary: dinosaur footprints 🦕⚒️🧪
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Prof Col Macpherson
Job alert: #PhD position, tracking C dynamics in permafrost using U isotopes, Northumbria University (UK). Apply by 23 Jan, 2026. More info: buff.ly/GEtpyAG
December 16, 2025 at 6:30 AM
Job alert: #PhD position, tracking C dynamics in permafrost using U isotopes, Northumbria University (UK). Apply by 23 Jan, 2026. More info: buff.ly/GEtpyAG
Marking petrology exams and just read that a basalt was ventricular. Heart stopping. ❤️⚒️
December 10, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Marking petrology exams and just read that a basalt was ventricular. Heart stopping. ❤️⚒️
Reposted by Prof Col Macpherson
Scientists from @durhamearthsci.bsky.social have helped study a rare rock core taken from deep inside the Great Glen Fault in the Scottish Highlands. @bgs.ac.uk
Learn more: www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/...
Learn more: www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/...
Durham researcher helps explain secrets of the Great Glen Fault - Durham University
www.durham.ac.uk
December 9, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Scientists from @durhamearthsci.bsky.social have helped study a rare rock core taken from deep inside the Great Glen Fault in the Scottish Highlands. @bgs.ac.uk
Learn more: www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/...
Learn more: www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/...
Ten years ago today I was lucky enough to meet Jim Montgomery, who made the greatest save ever (and I'm not even a Sunderland fan).⚽
youtu.be/PZmFoo4payA
youtu.be/PZmFoo4payA
December 10, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Ten years ago today I was lucky enough to meet Jim Montgomery, who made the greatest save ever (and I'm not even a Sunderland fan).⚽
youtu.be/PZmFoo4payA
youtu.be/PZmFoo4payA
🤘⚒️
cannot begin to tell you how happy I am to have stumbled upon the Paris building shared by metal music fans and the union for metal workers, what a delight
December 8, 2025 at 12:21 PM
🤘⚒️
Well that is just … so bloody Scotland 🤦♂️
December 5, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Well that is just … so bloody Scotland 🤦♂️
Wishing I'd listened to more Handel, Pachelbel, and JS Bach this year so my Spotify listening age would have been about 300.
December 4, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Wishing I'd listened to more Handel, Pachelbel, and JS Bach this year so my Spotify listening age would have been about 300.
Reposted by Prof Col Macpherson
Incredible work here tracing continuous oral traditions among Aboriginal peoples over a near-geological timescale.
The article argues oral traditions transmitted information about volcano eruptions from 9,000 years ago:
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
The article argues oral traditions transmitted information about volcano eruptions from 9,000 years ago:
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Stories in Stone: Aboriginal Oral Traditions of Volcanic Impacts in Northeastern Australia - Geoheritage
Throughout Australia, oral traditions exist that encode memories of catastrophic and impactful events and landscape changes such as floods, meteor impacts and volcanic eruptions. In pre-colonization t...
link.springer.com
December 4, 2025 at 10:16 AM
Incredible work here tracing continuous oral traditions among Aboriginal peoples over a near-geological timescale.
The article argues oral traditions transmitted information about volcano eruptions from 9,000 years ago:
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
The article argues oral traditions transmitted information about volcano eruptions from 9,000 years ago:
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Christmas zoned phlogopite in carbonatite for #ThinSectionThursday. In PPL (left) Mg-rich core shows less colour than brown rim (pleochroic to colourless) which has higher Fe, possibly due to Al-deficiency. Same chemical variation gives different interference colours in XPL (right) 🧪⚒️🌋🎄🎅
December 4, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Christmas zoned phlogopite in carbonatite for #ThinSectionThursday. In PPL (left) Mg-rich core shows less colour than brown rim (pleochroic to colourless) which has higher Fe, possibly due to Al-deficiency. Same chemical variation gives different interference colours in XPL (right) 🧪⚒️🌋🎄🎅