Through the eyes of a geologist

- The bitterling fish - Unio bivalve - A pregnant woman Unio sucks in the bitterling fish eggs via siphons. The eggs mature whilst similarly the Unio itself breeds. Unio releases the larvea, which symbiotically sticks to the fish. The bitterling fish can then be used as a pregnancy test. If a woman is pregnant, the ovipositors of the bitterling fish protude. Learn something new every day!

Today was my first practical as a second year undergraduate for the module of Major Events in the History of Life. It was called 'To see a world in a grain of sand...' and has completely opened my eyes. Using sand from Dogs Bay, Galaway, and a stereomicroscope, I observed the skeltal remains of micro-organisms and matched them up in order to name and identify what exact microfossil was. I was able to distinguished sponge spicules, gastropods, sea urchin spines, foraminifera in the form of Textulaira, Gaudryina, Cibicides and Elphidium, and ostracods too - all of which were below 1mm in size, so very challenging when 'picking' individual specimens from the Dogs Bay sand slide. Grace enjoying a challenge Luke concentrating Myself in utter awe Dogs Bay sand I think I have found my niche!

Having attended the PCSB Society talk yesterday (the university's main geology society), I was given a great insight into the career of Dougal Jerram. To some of you, he may be known as Dr. Volcano, named by  BBC the One Show, but he has had a history of educational television episodes aired, revolving around geology.  Whilst speaking about current affairs, he was sharing his experience with Eyjafjallajokull, which caused mayhem to worldwide airports not just the UK. Having not known at the time, people were then placing bets on which volcano was next to erupt. I didn't even know volcano betting existed! So now I'm currently waiting for the next big eruption to place my bet. Watch this space... Dougal was able to share with us a clip of his Grand Canyon expedition which was filmed in August 2013, and will be aired 2014. It looks very exciting but that is unfortunately all I can say. So keep your eyes peeled for a new series on the BBC.