Geosonnet 42

An alpha particle can break the bonds

Of diamond as it crashes to a halt.

Each glowing lattice defect corresponds

To trace uranium ore by default.

Proterozoic water then dissolves

These min’rals when they weather from the ground.

The age of weathering therefore resolves

Why He but no U in these stones are found.

The sediment’ry age is reconciled

With orphan daughter isotopes of lead

Archean atmosphere O₂ reviled.

It must have been in groundwater instead.

   So read this study; cite it frequently.

   (Disclaimer: journal article by me.)

Geology 44 527

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Geosonnet 41

The rock of rocks, zircon is not disturbed

As mountains grow, then wash into the sea.

Its isotopic clock is not perturbed

Providing billion year chronometry.

But like Smaug’s waistcoat, or Achillies’ heel

The Earth’s timekeeper has a fatal strain

A brine containing fluorine is ideal

For mobilizing metals from this grain

Earth’s body’s precious fluids rearrange

The normally immobile REE

And actinides, and other metals strange

To fluid induced rock mobility.

   The thermal history is not innate

   When heat producing elements migrate.

Geology 44 15

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Geosonnet 40

The muddy bosom sunset turns to gold

Contrary runs to playa, or to sea.

But though the flow of human blood seems old

‘tis but a spray, seen by geology.

The shady banks, by forests overgrown

Are stabilized by roots of growing trees.

Far different are the rivers Langston’s known

To those which ran ere plants emerged from seas.

The math predicts, and Tombador confirms

Meanders become braids without a plant.

The shallow floodplain channels build up berms.

The mud in verdant floodplains now is scant.

   So when at last we cross the Styx, beware:

   Its lifeless banks will split the channels there.

Geology 44 203

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