Spec Tech: The Lost City of the Deep

In 2000, scientists crammed into a tiny deep sea submersible vessel caught sight of 60 meter tall spires of white, crystalline calcite rising from the black depths of the sea floor. It was a sight that captured the imagination and earned these spires the name: The Lost City. Many people immediately think of Atlantis when……

Spec Tech: Sandstone… It’s a Living

Geologically speaking, “sandstone” has a very precise meaning. A sandstone is a sedimentary rock that is composed of less than 50% mud-sized particles and less than 30% gravel, with the remaining rock or mineral grains being sand-sized. Sand-sized grains are between 62 microns and 2 millimeters in size. To a non-geologist, this can easily translate……

Spec Tech: Learning the Drill

I know I’ve got a request for a topic (don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about building things with sandstone!) but this last month I spent a week on drilling rig in the wilds of Wyoming, so I thought I’d write about that experience while it was still fresh in my mind. Other than looking at……

Spec Tech: The Whole Tuff and Nothing but the Tuff

Local geology has a profound effect on on culture. Geology determines what sort of agriculture is possible, for example, and will influence economy with the presence (or absence) of gemstones and metals. Geology can also determine what sort of building materials are present for humans (or non-humans!) to use in construction of dwellings. We’re all……

Spec Tech: Making Mountains

One part of the massive fun that is world building in fantasy or science fiction is sketching out maps for your protagonists to explore and conquer. Mountain ranges that form the bones and teeth of the land are an important part in the creation of an environment. Mountains are often used entirely as obstacles, as……