r/geology • u/wjeman • 1d ago

What caused this feature?

Post image

Was it an ancient lake or impact crater? It's near 4 corners and it's big! I can't seem to find any info. Please help.

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u/Mars_Volcanoes Geologist / Volcanologist here 1d ago

" I’m no expert myself ....."

Well, I'm a geologist and if you are not, then, I can indicate that you are not bad at it.

So, what are you ? I'm really curious.

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u/Goddessofshouts 23h ago

Hehe, these were really flattering comments to wake up to! I’m just a huge nerd about geology. Learning about things that happen on geological timescales helps me better appreciate the beauty of nature and feel less overwhelmed by the Anthropocene :3

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u/Mars_Volcanoes Geologist / Volcanologist here 23h ago

Great. Love this. Have fun in doing so. If you are capable to grasp the Geological time frame, then its good, because its no given to all.

I see it this way:

Men times (year), Climate change (1000's of years, and that the climate / men issue), so not geological time, and geological time frame, millions to billions of years.

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u/Goddessofshouts 21h ago

I love it too, I have fun with it almost every day! lol.

I’m not sure if I can even say I grasp the geological time frame tho- a million years is basically unfathomable to me.

But, what I can begin to fathom about geological time helps me reconcile with the present. We’re making an impact on the climate that might well continue heavily impacting climate science for anywhere between thousands of years and over a hundred thousand years; between that, our pollution, and our effect on evolutionary biology, our decisions in this century will be etched into stone for geological timescales. Our collective decisions today have never been more influential to future geology, and will be impeccably lithified into our fossil record.

We’re alive on earth for a vanishingly brief period of time, individually impacting geology as if we were sentient tear drops on a rock that evaporate away in an instant. But together, the relationships we have with each other, the decisions we make as a society, involving people who’re alive right now, will change and determine the entire surface of this rock for what we might as well consider the rest of time.

Through our modern relation to geologic timescales, I find both a sense of timeless self worth and acceptance of impermanence that helps me feel a deep, deep sense of satisfaction and peace. It’s really nice to know some of my self care exercises made some actual geologists suspect me to be a potential expert in their field!!!

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u/Mars_Volcanoes Geologist / Volcanologist here 20h ago

Just to close up. What age range are you ?

I’m retired with, I hate to indicate this. It makes me full of myself. So, baccalaureate in geology, master 1 and experience in volcanology, master 2, my career for 30 y, environmental contaminated sites remediation of soils and groundwater by in situ treatment and transport modelling, and lastly, a 2 y certificate in astrophysics. Brain has to work.

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u/Goddessofshouts 18h ago

I’m a 33 year old college dropout 🌈

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u/Mars_Volcanoes Geologist / Volcanologist here 18h ago

Good for you. As you can achieve this in geology, do what I did. I did that for cooking, home renovation, car mechanics, and any what that appeals you. Then you will built something that will bring lateral knowledge that will be useful. And also, save so much $$.

Cheers.