Author Profile: M C Morton

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Mary Caperton Morton

Biography

Mary Caperton Morton is a freelance science and travel writer specializing in geophysics, hydrology, and mountaineering. Her book, Aerial Geology: A High Altitude Tour of North America’s Spectacular Volcanoes, Canyons, Glaciers, Lakes, Craters and Peaks, was published by Timber Press in 2017. In her 13 years as a seasonally nomadic freelancer, she has hiked in all 50 states; climbed hundreds of mountains; and written for numerous publications including Eos, Earth, Science News, The Last Word on Nothing, and her blog, Travels with the Blonde Coyote. When she’s not at the keyboard, she’s outside, exploring the Sierras from her home base in the foothills of Sequoia National Forest in California.

Publications from M. C. Morton

Hydrology, Cryosphere & Earth Surface

“Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign against a backdrop of desert flora

Feature 28 May 2021

Is Green Las Vegas Gone Forever?

Living in Geologic Time: Will desertification overtake Nevada’s half-million-year history of wetlands?

Science Policy & Funding

A rhododendron bush blooms pink flowers in front of the New River Gorge.

Feature 11 March 2021

The New River Gorge: Ancient River, Old Mines, New National Park

Living in Geologic Time: Regrowth and resiliency bring new accolades to one of the world’s oldest rivers.

A satellite image of the entire arm of Cape Cod

Feature 8 January 2021

Cape Cod: Shipwrecks, Dune Shacks, and Shifting Sands

Living in Geologic Time: How long will the cape keep its fist raised against the waves?

Geochemistry, Mineralogy, Volcanology

Aerial photo of a squared-off archaeological dig

News 15 December 2020

When Did Archaic Humans Control Fire?

A familiar geochemical technique shines a new spotlight on early hominin use of fire.

Natural Hazards

Small conifers grow along the edge of an open grassy meadow along the John Muir Trail.

Feature 2 November 2020

Traversing the High Sierra on the People’s Paths

Living in Geologic Time: Backpacking through the past, present, and future of fire on the John Muir Trail.

Geochemistry, Mineralogy, Volcanology

Four faces carved in granite stand above an apron of crushed rock overlooking state flags along the Avenue of Flags at Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

Feature 3 September 2020

Mount Rushmore’s Six Grandfathers and Four Presidents

Living in Geologic Time: How long will it take for erosion to erase Mount Rushmore?

Geochemistry, Mineralogy, Volcanology

Delicate Arch towers over visitors in Arches National Park, with the snow-capped La Sal Mountains in the distance.

Feature 13 July 2020

The Delicacy of Arches

Living in Geologic Time: How long will Utah’s arches grace the red rock desert?

Metal and concrete salmon pools at Oregon’s McKenzie River Hatchery

News 9 June 2020

Internal Compass Guides Salmon’s Incredible Journey

New study finds evidence that magnetite particles play a role in fish navigation.

Geology & Geophysics

Rose Parade float featuring dinosaurs

News 4 June 2020

Everything’s Coming Up Roses for Pasadena Seismologists

Using fiber-optic cables, a new seismic network charts vibrations associated with the Rose Parade’s massive floats and marching bands.

Hydrology, Cryosphere & Earth Surface

A springtime satellite view of the five Great Lakes shows the snowline roughly following the U.S.–Canadian border.

News 18 May 2020

Long Live the Laurentian Great Lakes

Living in Geologic Time: Billion-year-old rifting events set the stage for Earth’s greatest lakes.