Expert: Dr Thomas Bell - 11/5/2009

Question
Hey, I am a eight grader. We are doing a project in our science class about Continental Drift. I was wondering if you could tell me any cool stuff that has happened while you were working in this field

Answer
Robbie,

My life as a geologist has been jam packed with cool stuff.  Long ago, I saw a TV program about Continental Drift and how geologists where just then starting to accept this theory as a grand explanation of many geologic processes.  When the show was over, I was sure I wanted to go to college and become one of those geologists.

After reaching my goal, I began to work in the western United States, exploring for gold.  Can you think of anything much more fun than driving a four wheel drive truck out into desert and going on a treasure hunt?  Within a couple of years, I was going to some of the most remote places in South America and Africa to explore for gold, copper, uranium, and several other metals.  I developed a real specialty by visiting the sites of peasant gold rushes crowded with poor prospectors and miners digging with picks and shovels.

Getting paid to do science is one of the most rewarding things anyone with the brains and motivation can achieve.  You won't get rich but it sure beats sitting behind a desk all day.

You can read about some of my recent adventures on my blog at http://www.stratamodel.com/blog

My advice to you is take that science class seriously.  Work hard at math.  Learn to write and speak well.  You too could live a rewarding life of adventure if you are willing to work toward that goal.