Q: What is the geological significance
of the two pillar-like structures at the southwest entrance to Garland
Hall? 
A: The two pillars are actually ancient geological finds that are remnants of early Vanderbilt geology department collections. The lighter colored pillar is petrified wood. Inside the rock formation is original wood from the Chattanooga Shale, an important geological site in Dug Gap, Ga., that is approximately 360 million years old. The second, darker pillar is what is called a "cast." Some 200 million years ago, mud gathered around a tree stump and began to harden. As the mud became rock, the tree rotted away leaving a hole inside the rock that was eventually filled with sand
Molly Miller, professor of geology
Richard G. Stearns, professor
of geology, emeritus
-- Adrienne Spain
E-mail your questions to asktheexperts@vanderbilt.edu, or via mail to "Ask the Experts" c/o Division of Public Affairs, 511 Kirkland Hall, Nashville, TN 37240
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