2025-10-06 – Weekly Geology News : UV surprise in a dry wash

Last week’s discussions in the geology community revolved around career development and technological advancements. Members shared insights on emerging remote job opportunities for geologists and the increasing relevance of continuing education. There was also vibrant discourse on innovative core logging software and its integration with field operations. An intriguing field observation about UV light effects in dry washes sparked curiosity and debate.


This Week’s Hot Topics

  • Weekly Geology Jobs: Remote roles for geologists are growing
    Delve into the expanding landscape of remote opportunities, a trend reshaping how geologists work globally.
    Read more here

  • Most valuable CE this year
    Explore the continuing education courses that fellow geologists have found most beneficial in their careers.
    Read more here

  • Weekly Geology Jobs: Nationwide Travel Geological Engineer Role
    A new role that combines travel with geological engineering, offering fresh career possibilities.
    Read more here

  • UV surprise in a dry wash
    Discover the unexpected findings related to UV light in dry washes that have captivated our members.
    Read more here

  • Skills that eased my pivot to CCUS
    Learn from a member’s experience in transitioning to Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage.
    Read more here

  • Core logging software that keeps pace with the rig
    A look into software solutions that enhance efficiency in core logging operations.
    Read more here

  • FAQ/Guidelines
    For newcomers, a helpful guide to our community’s FAQs and guidelines.
    Read more here

  • Admin Guide: Getting Started
    Essential reading for new admins to navigate their role effectively.
    Read more here

  • Is Geology the Right Career Path for You?
    A thoughtful discussion for those considering a career in geology.
    Read more here

  • How Did You Land Your First Geology Job?
    Members share their journeys and advice on breaking into the geology field.
    Read more here


Thanks for staying engaged with our community. Your contributions and discussions make this a valuable place for all geologists. Until next time, take care and keep exploring the fascinating world of geology.

I carry a 365 nm UV torch in the vest for core and dry-wash stops — ‘uranyl smears and calcite halos pop’ so you can tag cement zones before breaking out the acid. Handy with photo tagging in the new logging apps, but don’t trust fluorescence alone — dust and sunscreen glow too, so confirm with HCl; the UV’s the bouncer, not the judge.

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A cheap tweak that’s helped me in dry washes: snap a ~$8 ZWB2 filter on the 365 nm torch and shoot ‘UV-on/UV-off’ phone pairs, then drop them into whatever ‘innovative core logging software’ you’re using so the cement bands are clear back at the desk. It cuts the purple leak so faint organics and trace U fluorescence stand out, but note some coatings fade fast under UV — photograph first, then poke around.

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And quick add: a $2 spray bottle to knock dust off the surface makes longwave UV pop in dry washes, then lock phone exposure/WB and shoot before/after pairs for the core-logging app (Imago works fine). Also, wear amber safety glasses as a barrier filter; they cut violet leak better than nothing and keep your eyes happy, @gabriel94. Watch for ‘false positives’ from sunscreen or flagging tape — easy to contaminate the scene.

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I’ve started tucking a $3 uranium‑glass bead into the edge of my blacklight shots so there’s a consistent green reference when syncing images with the logging software (example: Uranium glass - Wikipedia). Small caveat: sunscreen and survey tape can flare under UV, so I use nitrile gloves and keep tape out of frame to avoid confusing “hot” spots.

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