Publication: Aplicación del método científico al extraño caso de las rocas deslizantes (sailing stones) de La Mancha
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Publication Date
2016
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Sociedad Geológica de España.
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Abstract
La comprensión del método científico por los estudiantes y la población en general es más fácil si se ilustran sus diferentes fases con ejemplos concretos. El presente trabajo muestra la metodología que se ha seguido para explicar un proceso geológico, concretamente el caso de las rocas deslizantes en las lagunas salinas de La Mancha. El fenómeno consiste en el desplazamiento por arrastre de rocas de varios kilogramos de peso sobre el fondo de las lagunas. Las piedras dejan largos surcos que pueden perdurar meses aun después de que se evapore la lámina de agua. Las fases que se han considerado para la visualización del método son: (1) observación y definición del problema, (2) análisis de datos y establecimiento de hipótesis, (3) contrastación y discusión de hipótesis y (4) determinación de conclusiones y publicación de resultados. No obstante, estas fases no son compartimentos estancos y se han interrelacionado a lo largo de la investigación. Ésta se ha llevado a cabo durante más de tres años y todavía continúa. Las conclusiones e hipótesis genéticas se han publicado en dos artículos de sendas revistas científicas especializadas y en diferentes medios para su divulgación.
The comprehension of the scientific method for the students and the population in general is easier if its different steps are learned analyzing specific examples. The present work shows the process that has been followed to explain the sailing stones phenomenon in the playa lakes from La Mancha (Spain). That geological phenomenon consists of heavy rocks dragging across the lake bottom. The stones leave long grooves that may remain for months even after the water lamina evaporates. The steps that have been considered in order to visualize the method are: (1) observation and definition of the problem, (2) data analyses and formulation of hypothesis, (3) testing and discussion of hypothesis and (4) drawing conclusions and publication of results. However, these steps are not isolated and have been interrelated throughout the research. This investigation has lasted for more than three years. Main conclusions and hypotheses about the genesis were published in two scientific papers and disseminated through different mass media outlets.
The comprehension of the scientific method for the students and the population in general is easier if its different steps are learned analyzing specific examples. The present work shows the process that has been followed to explain the sailing stones phenomenon in the playa lakes from La Mancha (Spain). That geological phenomenon consists of heavy rocks dragging across the lake bottom. The stones leave long grooves that may remain for months even after the water lamina evaporates. The steps that have been considered in order to visualize the method are: (1) observation and definition of the problem, (2) data analyses and formulation of hypothesis, (3) testing and discussion of hypothesis and (4) drawing conclusions and publication of results. However, these steps are not isolated and have been interrelated throughout the research. This investigation has lasted for more than three years. Main conclusions and hypotheses about the genesis were published in two scientific papers and disseminated through different mass media outlets.