Welcome to What The Rock! I started this blog to share my passion for geology and Earth history and to do so in a fun and interesting way. The world is an extraordinary place, and the more we learn of her history, the more fascinating she is.
My weekly blog posts address a wide range of geological topics, and I welcome any suggestions for posts or questions you may have. I also welcome you to subscribe to my blog to get notifications of new posts and interesting geological news.
Welcome
About Me
My name is Shahin Dashtgard. By day, I masquerade as a geology professor at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada. Geology is my occupation, but it is also my passion!
Geology you say? When I was young, I had no idea what geology was and spending my life studying rocks didn't occur to me in the slightest. I started university with a plan to follow in my father's footsteps and become an accountant. I took geology as an elective because I heard it was easy (it wasn't). It took me two weeks to realize Geology was what was missing in my life and I haven't looked back.
I am asked all the time about the geology of different tourist spots, friend's countertops, and random rocks that people pick up. We all know the world is a super interesting place, and I believe, as do many others, that geology is really cool. With this blog, I want to make the complex simple so everyone can appreciate the stories. locked up in the rocks!
Topics
And how to get the most out of this site
Geology at home
Products from the Earth impact nearly every part of our daily lives and surround us in our home. There are no better examples than granite countertops and drywall. Have a question about geological material in your house? Check out the blog and if you don't find what you need, ask away!
Earth's Stories
Have you ever wondered about the geology of places you visit? Sights you've seen? Geology is awesome, but it is also complicated. As a geology professor, my goal is to share with you what my colleagues and I have learned from the Earth and to do so in a fun and interesting way. If you can't find the information you need, use the online form and ask!
Geo Highlights and Issues
New discoveries are being made all the time and they add to our ever-expanding knowledge of Earth's incredible story. As well, our interactions with the planet impact us in ways both known and unknown. I find our planet and her history fascinating, and I want to share what I know with you. If there is a topic I haven't covered and you want me to look into just ask.