Monday - November 16, 2009 - Deep within the Earth
Student Argonaut Connor Bebb

The day started off in our hotel with me versus a waffle maker. It was challenging at first, but eventually the other Argos and I were able to sit down to a good old fashioned breakfast.

After breakfast, we headed out to NETL and the National Institute for Occupation Safety and Health (NIOSH), where they have an entire mine used for testing. They conduct experiments with some of the newest technologies designed to make mining safer for those who risk their lives every day to bring us the electricity we take for granted. At the mine, we were given a guided tour through a world of darkness from Paul at NIOSH. Dr. Guthrie was with us every step of the way, helping us understand how all of this can tell us more about the history of the Earth, and how it ties into his own research on carbon sequestration.

After getting our safety lessons, we adventured where no Argo has gone before -- down under Earth's surface! I couldn't help but feel a little bit nervous when we entered the mine and were surround by complete darkness. Luckily, we had our hard hats with miner's lights.

Dr. Guthrie discussing how some of the rocks and minerals in the mine formed.

Dr. Guthrie discussing how some of the rocks and minerals in the mine formed.

It was fascinating to look at the coal and find it in its natural surroundings. We even got to go into a part that is usually closed, that they called the racetrack, due to its unique shape. They didn’t really have races there, but it was a vital component to the experimentation of ventilation in mines.

We also got to see some of the old mining technology that they used to work with. It was amazing to see what great strides we have taken to prevent dangerous accidents in the last couple centuries.

Connor and Emily inspecting the wall of the mine.

Examining the walls of the mine with Dr. Guthrie.

Sadly, we couldn’t spend all day in the mines discovering its secrets, though I will always treasure the time we did have and the incredible experience it gave me. I have to admit, I was happy to see the light of day again. I developed an incredible respect for the people who expose themselves to danger every day to provide us with coal, because so many things can go wrong.

Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

Emerging from the coal mine.

After a quick sandwich, we talked with Dr. Guthrie more about the geology of the area, and he took us to see an exposed coal seam on land. Exposed coal seems are similar to what we saw deep in the mine, with some important differences. While we were there, Dr. Guthrie shared a vast amount of information about the coal above ground and how it is different. Several factors contribute to those differences, such as weathering, human influence, and just other natural minerals mixing up with each other.

Examining an exposed coal seam and gathering samples for the lab.

Emily taking samples with a rock hammer.

On the hill, we were able to observe several different rock layers, and talked about how they may have formed over vast amounts of time. To start determining what types of rocks these were, we took some samples with a rock hammer. My fellow Argo, Emily, seemed to enjoy breaking the rocks a little too much! Once we had our samples, Dr. Guthrie led us to the lab at the Analytic Chemistry building to start analyzing.

There, we met Christina and Bret from NETL, who taught us how geologists study minerals and rocks in the lab. Christina told us that geology can be a lot like forensics, because geologists spend much of their time searching for small clues to help tell the greater story of the Earth. Looking at one of our rock specimens, we saw many of the different minerals from which it is made. Christina helped us understand the difference between rocks and minerals, by comparing a rock to a fruit salad, and a mineral to a piece of grapefruit! A mineral is like one type of fruit, whereas a rock is a big mixture of individual minerals.

In the lab with Dr. Guthrie, Dr. Christina Lopano, and Dr. Bret Howard, using X-rays and electron microscopes to analyze rock samples.

Examining a model of zeolite in the Analytical Chemistry lab with Dr. Guthrie.

We got to analyze our specimens using some of their cutting edge technologies. We took x-rays and used an electron microscope to get a better look at all of the grains and structures within the rocks, and see all of the different minerals in our specimen.

We ended our day with dinner at a Hibachi grill, where the highlight for me was catching a shrimp in my mouth. Being an Argo is one of the most wonderful things that has happened to me. I am amazed at how much I learn everyday about how connected our world is.

Tomorrow, we will be at a different NETL Lab, learning even more, and I can’t wait to get started again.

At the entrance to the NIOSH mine with Argos Connor, Cindy, Emily and Maria.

Emily experimenting with the newest video technology - ArgoCam.