Geology affects us every day, from wars fought over fossil fuels to roads on glacial carved hills to great tragedies such as the Indonesian tsunami. And yet, many of us feel separated from the geology around us. Geologist David B. Williams will use local buildings and structures – and the stone they’re made from – to spark a discussion on how geology connects to our communities. By considering the rocks and stones we pass each day, we can recognize the connections we have with the larger geologic world around us. For example, in Seattle we can explore stone ranging from 3.5 billion to 120,000 years old, fossils the size of a cinnamon roll and rock used by the Romans for the Coliseum. This conversation will prompt us to slow down, to observe more carefully, ask questions, dive into history and find connections.

About David B. Williams David B. Williams is a freelance writer focused on the intersection of people and the natural world. His books include Stories in Stone: Travels Through Urban Geology, The Seattle Street-Smart Naturalist: Field Notes from the City and his latest, Cairns: Messengers in Stone. Williams also works at the Burke Museum and is a former National Parks ranger in Utah and Massachusetts. He maintains the blog GeologyWriter.com.

Williams currently lives in Seattle.

Geology, Authors, History