Posts by Nancy L. Ross
Neutrons “101” – A Primer for Earth Scientists
The fundamental properties of the neutron make it a powerful tool for Earth science investigations because neutrons provide information that cannot be obtained by any other research method. This is because neutrons are magnetically sensitive, nondestructive, and sensitive to the lighter elements, such as hydrogen. They provide a unique, nondestructive method for obtaining information ranging from Ångstrom-scale atomic structures (and related motions) to micron-scale material strain, stress, and texture, and even up to meso-scale porous matrices and defects in materials and functional components. In this article, we introduce neutrons and their unique properties, neutron production and sources, and provide an overview of the different types of neutron methods applicable to the Earth sciences.
Read MoreOur Academic Family
This past year has seen the departure of many of our great colleagues who shaped the fields of mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry. They were part of our extended academic family and will be greatly missed. Although their academic contributions can be found in their curriculum vitae and scientific publications, their personal histories, the things that shaped their lives and careers, are more elusive. However, personal histories, where published, can capture the “human” aspect behind the scientist and include stories filled with happiness and humor, hardship and perseverance, and, above all, serendipity.
Read Morev15n6 From the Editors
The copy of Elements you are holding in your hands (or reading online) is the result of the creativity and expertise of our 18 participating socities, authors, editors, reviewers, graphic designers, business and administrative staff, print and shipping vendors, and advertisers. Every issue represents hundreds of hours of effort by many individuals working together for a common goal … to deliver Elements to you, the reader. Elements is a joint endeavour. Each year, in our final issue, we take a moment to extend our appreciation to those that brought Elements to life. This year is no different.
Read Morev15n5 From the Editors
About This Issue, A New Column in Elements, Plan S, New Topics in Elements
Read MoreCelebration of the Periodic Table
The periodic table of chemical elements is one of the most significant achievements in science because it arranges the 118 known elements in a deceptively simple pattern that reveals their properties. So how did this “Rosetta Stone of Nature” originate?
Read Morev15n4 — From the Editors
About This Issue; 2018 Journal Impact Factor: Welcoming Richard J. Harrison; Elements at Goldschmidt2019
Read Morev15n3 — From the Editors
About This Issue; Propose a Thematic Issue of Elements, Congratulations
Read Morev15n2 — From the Editors
About this issue, welcoming the IAGOD, and farewell to Friedhelm von Blanckenburg
Read Morev15n1 From the Editors
With the start of 2019, John M. Eiler joins the Elements editorial team. He is taking on the role as our geochemistry principal editor.
There are so many more topics to feature in Elements. In March 2019, the editorial team will meet to evaluate proposals for inclusion in our lineup. We invite you to contact one of the Elements editors and submit a thematic proposal for consideration!
Mineralogical Revelations From Space Odysseys
Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1917–2008), perhaps best known for the 1968 book and film 2001: A Space Odyssey, once stated that “The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible.” As you enjoy this issue of Elements on planet Mercury, think about the remarkable achievement of sending a spacecraft to Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun.
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