PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast
A Geology and Earth Science Podcast. Join Chris, an award-winning geology teacher, and Jesse, a geoscience professor, in discussing the amazing features of our planet and their impact on your everyday life. No prior knowledge required. New episodes coming at you every week. Listen, subscribe, share with someone you know!
Episodes
Introducing: Audiobook version of the Roadside Geology of Colorado
Big Announcement: Roadside Geology Comes to Audio — Plus an Introduction to Sedimentary RocksThe glove-compartment classic is now in your headphones. In this episode, we announce a partnership between Camp Courses (the team behind the CampGeo app) and the Geological Society of America to produce audio-visual editions of Roadside Geology of Colorado and Colorado Rocks! — available right now in the
How to Identify a Mineral. Geology 101: Minerals Part 4
Chris's college mineralogy lab final was 20 specimens, and one of them was a quartz crystal his professor had dipped in graphite. The luster was off, the color was off, and Chris got it wrong even though every other property said quartz. That one exam question shows why mineral ID is hard and why you need a system. This episode lays out that system.We finish the minerals chapter of the Camp G
The Rock-Forming Minerals. Geology 101: Minerals Part 3
There are roughly 7,000 known minerals on Earth. You need to know about ten of them. In the third installment of the Camp Geo Intro to Minerals series, Chris and Jesse finish the minerals chapter by working through the rock-forming minerals — the short list that makes up the overwhelming majority of the rocks in Earth's crust — and by explaining where minerals actually come from in the first
The Silicates. Geology 101: Minerals Part 2
Ask an intro geology class what the most abundant element in the crust is and, year after year, the answer comes back "carbon." It doesn't make the top eight. That gap between what feels right and what the planet is actually made of is where this lesson lives.Chapter 2 of the Camp Geo audio textbook starts with the layered Earth — crust, mantle, and core — and why Chris's peanu
What is a Mineral? Geology 101: Minerals Part 1
Ask a room full of intro geology students whether a snowflake is a mineral and almost every hand says no. Ask why, and someone will tell you it's because no two snowflakes are alike. Chris Bolhuis has been asking that question for 25 years — he asked it of a young Jesse Reimink sitting in his high school classroom — and the answer is the whole point of this lesson.It's been a while since
Lithium 101 with Joe Lowry: Brines, Pegmatites, DLE, and the Smackover
What happens when a finance guy who's never heard of lithium takes a job in a small North Carolina town because it's near where his favorite author lived?Joe Lowry is the founder of Global Lithium LLC, host of the Global Lithium Podcast (239 episodes and counting), and author of the new memoir Lithium Confidential: Confessions of a Corporate Misfit. He spent 35 years in the industry — in
How to Find Copper — Dr. Tim Ireland, First Quantum
There's a photo on Tim Ireland's Google Scholar profile of a toddler standing on the floor of an open pit gold mine in Australia's Northern Territory, wearing a hard hat and — because it was the early 1980s — flip flops. That toddler is now the Principal Geologist for Exploration at **First Quantum Minerals**, one of the world's major copper producers, and in this episode Jesse
The Rock 50 Light-Years Away
What if you could tell whether a rock exists on a planet 50 light-years away — without ever leaving Earth? This week Chris and Jesse welcome back friend-of-the-show Dr. Jackie Faherty (American Museum of Natural History) for her fourth appearance to talk about one of the wildest results in exoplanet science yet.The crew digs into a new Nature Astronomy paper on a rocky planet about 30% larger than
The Room Problem (and how Geochronology solves it)
Granite is everywhere — it makes up much of the continental crust beneath our feet; yet, for over a century geologists were stuck on a deceptively simple question: where does all that magma find room? In this episode, Jesse and Dr. Mike Ackerson pick the granite series back up to tackle the "room problem" — the puzzle of how you wedge a magma body tens of kilometers wide into solid crust
Rocks for the Future - with MIT Prof. Oli Jagoutz
What does cracking open green-shiny rocks in a German preschool have to do with feeding eight billion people without oil and gas? In this episode, we sit down with Prof. Oli Jagoutz, professor at MIT and director of the Earth Resources Laboratory (ERL), for a wide-ranging conversation that travels from the Himalayas to the wastewater treatment plant — and makes the case that geology might be one o
The Fundamentals of Geology (Exam)
This week we take on the FG test — the Fundamentals of Geology exam — the very first step on the road to becoming a professionally licensed geologist. Jesse just sat the exam this past fall (yes, a geology professor going back to take Geology 101), and we get into exactly what that was like: the nerves, the cram sessions, and the very real fear of an embarrassing fail.We break down what's act
Granite Wars: The Debates That Built a Science
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Mike Ackerson (Smithsonian) for the kick-off of a deep-dive series on granites and granitoids. This one goes into the weeds: the 250-year history of how arguing about granite shaped nearly every major idea in the geosciences.We trace the great controversies from the 1700s to today:🌊 Neptunism vs. Plutonism — Did granite precipitate out of a global ocean, or cr
The Geologist's License: How the FG and PG Exams Get Built — with Keith Rapp
In this episode, we sat down with Keith Rapp, senior hydrogeologist, longtime volunteer with ASBOG (the Association of State Boards of Geology), and immediate past president of the organization. We dug into the professional geologist licensure process — what the FG (Fundamentals of Geology) and PG (Practice of Geology) exams actually test, how questions get written and vetted by panels of subject
What Makes Supervolcanoes? With Professor Shan de Silva and Dr. Rachel Phillips
What distinguishes supervolcanoes from regular or non-super volcanoes? How many supervolcanoes are on Earth today? What are the precursors to supervolcano eruptions? In today's deep dive, Dr. Rachel Phillips, from GeoGirl, and I we got to talk to supervolcano researcher, Dr. Shan de Silva, to answer all your supervolcano questions (and more)!Download the CampGeo app now at this link. On the a
Eating Rocks For Breakfast
Download the CampGeo app now at this link. On the app you can get tons of free content, exclusive images, and access to our Geology of National Parks series. You can also learn the basics of geology at the college level in our FREE CampGeo content series - get learning now!Like, Subscribe, and leave us a Rating!——————————————————Instagram: @planetgeocastTwitter: @planetgeocastFacebook: @planetgeoc
What is a Professional Geologist? An Intro to Licensure
Jesse and Dr. Joshua Davis introduce a new series on professional geology licensure, prompted by listener questions, exam study use of their podcast, and continuing-education approvals. Jesse shares starting the U.S. process by taking the FG (Fundamentals of Geology) exam and explains the typical U.S. pathway in 31 states: FG exam, geologist-in-training status, years of work experience under a lic
Visualizing the Deep Earth - CEO and Founder Christie Capper
Today Jesse talks with Christie Capper, founder and CEO of Deep Earth, which aims to visualize the subsurface by digitizing and unifying scattered underground data into accessible 3D maps. Christie describes her path from a toy-inventor upbringing to studying economics and mechanical engineering (robotics) at Claremont and Columbia, then working at SpaceX, interning at the UN and Boeing, moving in
The Anatomy of Mountain Ranges
Chris is back!! Today we answer the simple question - Why do we see a predictable geologic and topographic progression as we drive from flat plains into mountains? We use examples from Michigan to Tennessee, the Canadian Rockies, Glacier, the Bighorns, Colorado, and the Appalachians to walk through a common sequence: we start on broad areas of mostly flat-lying sedimentary rocks (sandstones, shale
Geology Meets Deep Tech - Danielle Bennett
On this episode of Planet Geo, we welcome Danielle Bennett—a startup operator with a venture capital background (and not a geoscientist by training) who’s been talking with tons of geologists, hydrogeologists, and engineers while helping build a geoscience-adjacent mapping company at Deep Earth Tech. Danielle shares how growing up with entrepreneur parents (who ran a groundwater-focused engineerin
Here Be Dragons - Exploring the Unknown with NASA Ames Chief Scientist for Innovation Dr. John Stock
In this riveting episode, we catch up with Dr. Jonathan Stock, Chief Scientist for Innovation at NASA's Intelligent Systems Division. We dive deep into the realms of geosciences and discuss how innovation can transform our understanding of the Earth and beyond. From quantum gravity gradiometers to AI-driven geophysical mapping, Dr. Stock reveals the tech that could redefine geospatial explora
Banded Iron Formations - A Deep Dive
In this episode, we bring you a riveting Q&A session with GeoGirl Dr. Rachel Phillips and Dr. Joshua Davies, both experts in geology who explore the mysterious world of banded iron formations (BIFs). We dive deep into what BIFs are, when they formed, and their significance. Josh unpacks the debated origins of these rocks, discussing how they may be the most hotly contested rocks in the geologi
Venezuela’s Black Gold
In this episode, we are kicking off a new series on Geology News. We delve into why Venezuela is rich in oil, the complex tectonic interactions, and the geological formations that make it a hotspot for heavy, sour crude oil. We also take a humorous stroll down memory lane, reminiscing about our hard rock geology days and the unintuitive yet captivating world of sedimentary rocks. Join us as we exp
Rocks, Risks, and Riches: Strategies and Stories with CEO Doug Heller
To kick off Season 6 of the Planet Geo Podcast, we invited Doug Heller, a Penn State alum and geoscience finance guru, to explore investment risk in the geosciences. Doug shares thrilling stories about turning modest funds into substantial investments and offers invaluable advice for budding geologists and students. The episode delves into Doug's journey from exploring oil in the Gulf of Mexi
Petrification - Rerelease
In this episode of Planet Geo, we dive deep into the fascinating phenomenon of petrification as we wrap up our season five re-release holiday series. From the beauty of petrified wood to its rare yet awe-inspiring occurrence, we explore how this natural wonder forms. We also tease exciting updates for season six, including segments with Dr. Rachel Phillips and interviews with top geoscientists. St
How to Identify Rocks - Rerelease
Welcome back to Planet Geo, the podcast where we delve into the wonders of our planet's geology, how it works, and why it matters. In this episode, part three of our holiday re-release series, we’re breaking down the basics of rock identification and collection techniques. Chris and I tackle the popular question: how do you identify rocks? We provide a general strategy perfect for budding roc
Rockhounding 101 (ReRelease)
In this episode, we dive into the thrilling hobby of rock hounding, sharing our personal adventures and offering a Rocks and Minerals holiday re-release theme. We'll guide you through the basics of rock hounding, including crucial tips, resources, and a few funny anecdotes about our own experiences in gravel pits, quarries, and even snake-infested areas. Also, don't forget to follow us o
The Moon-Forming Impact - Q&A with Dr. Rachel Phillips aka GeoGirl
In this episode, we're back with the fabulous Dr. Rachel Phillips, also known as Geo Girl on YouTube, diving into part two of our intriguing Q&A session. This time, we cover listener questions about early Earth geology, the moon-forming impact, geochemistry, and much more. Spoiler alert: we journey into the cosmic and tectonic weeds, so grab your scientific hats as we ponder if the moon-f
Whence Plate Tectonics? Q&A with Dr. Rachel Phillips aka GeoGirl
Jesse joins forces with Dr. Rachel Phillips, AKA Geo Girl, to tackle viewer questions about Earth's oldest rocks. We cover a wide range of topics, from how Earth's age is calculated using meteorites to the intriguing details of zircon dating. We also discuss the beginnings of plate tectonics, early continents, and the much-debated timeline of Earth's geological history. This in-dept
Rocks and Rules, Putting Things in Order (Re-Release #1)
In this episode of Planet Geo, we share some exciting updates as Chris steps back a bit. Don’t worry; Chris will still join us regularly, but you'll also be hearing more often from fantastic guests like Dr. Rachel Phillips, Dr. Mike Ackerson, and Dr. Josh Davies. We’re diving deep into the geoscience topics we all love and bringing you insightful interviews with geoscience leaders. We’re also
The Length of Day 2.5 Billion Years Ago - BIFs, Milankovitch, and Geochron with Dr. Josh Davies
Join us as we dive into an awe-inspiring chat with Dr. Josh Davies – an expert in high-precision geochronology! Josh and Jesse go way back to their University of Alberta days, and in this episode, they unravel a groundbreaking project involving banded iron formations. Together, they explore how these ancient rocks bring to light the Earth's history, dating back 2.5 billion years. Discover how
What is a Continent? Part 1 - The Composition
In this episode, we dive deep into the composition and formation of the continental crust! We explore the tough questions about what makes up our continents, debunking some rudimentary class teachings and revealing the misunderstandings in our current knowledge! But don't worry—it’s not all sedimentary! We also ponder the role of basalt and Granite, the conundrum of exhumed terrain, and even
Stories in Stone - with David Williams
Ready to rock your buildings with some fascinating geology tales? Join us as we chat with the amazing David B. Williams, author of 'Stories in Stone.' David shares his insights on the hidden geological marvels in urban landscapes and the history behind some iconic building stones. From Seattle's local quarries to Chicago's memorable marbles, this episode is a treasure trove of
From Rifts To Rifles - The Regional Geology of the Battle of the Gettysburg
Join us in this action-packed final episode of our Gettysburg series as we uncover the rock-solid weathering patterns that shaped one of the most famous battles in history! Standing on the historic battleground, you'll see how two supercontinent formation and breakup events have influenced the topography and geology of Gettysburg. Discover the impact of weathering and time on the eastern U.S
Flash Floods
Join us for a deep dive into the world of flash floods in this exciting episode! Navigate the rapid waters of this intense topic with Chris and Jesse, as we unravel the captivating geoscience behind these dramatic events. From the devastating impacts of flash floods to the intricate balance of soil, vegetation, and slope, we leave no stone unturned. Discover how human activities and climate chang
Calderas and Confederates - The Geology of South Mountain and the Gettysburg Campaign
In this action-packed episode of our Gettysburg Geology series, we dig deep into the dynamic geological history of South Mountain. Discover how this towering terrain played a pivotal role in the Battle of Gettysburg, from offering a sneaky passage for the Confederates to serving as a dramatic retreat route. We explore the fascinating world of faults, folds, and the incredible rocks that shape this
Eruptions and Extinctions - The Geology of the Gettysburg Sill
In this episode of our visual podcast series, journey back to the battlefields of Gettysburg to unearth the geological forces that played a pivotal role in history. Dive deep with Herr Professor Dr. Reimink and Chris Bolhuis as they explore the York Haven Sill and Rossville Dykes, parts of the massive Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP). Discover how these ancient volcanic events potentially
Capitol Curiosities - Fanglomerate and the Gettysburg Basin
Join us on a rockin' journey as we explore the fascinating tale of Potomac Marble and its role in rebuilding the US Capitol after the War of 1812. From the emotional experience of visiting ancient quarry sites to the intricate details of fanglomerates and alluvial fans, we uncover the geology behind this historically significant stone. Whether you're a rock enthusiast or just love a good
Magnetic Sand and Other Listener Questions
Join Chris and Jesse as they dive deep into your rock-solid questions! From magnetic sands on Lake Michigan's dunes to the ancient mysteries of plate tectonics, nowhere on Earth (or beyond) is safe from their geological curiosity. Ever wondered who names minerals or how to remember those complicated mineral formula? Tune in to this special listener Q&A episode to unearth some epic answe
Sasquatch Eruptions
Join us for a rockin' episode where we dive into the explosive world of Yellowstone’s hydrothermal activity! Chris and Jesse chat about the intriguing 'Sasquatch eruptions'—no, not Bigfoot, but sudden hydrothermal explosions that have scientists buzzing. From close encounters with geysers to the epic history behind Black Diamond Pool, we break down the steamy details. We even touch
Landslides and Lidar - Dr. Phillip Prince @Geomodels
Get ready to dig deep into geology with the one and only Dr. Philip Prince! Join su as we rock out with discussions on the game-changing one-meter resolution lidar, geomorphology, landslides, and the captivating landscapes of the Appalachians. Learn about Philip's aha moments in geology, his journey from a trout fishing enthusiast to a top-notch geomorphologist, and the incredible insights re
Silent Sculptors - The Stones Shaping Gettysburg's Battlefield
In this exciting episode of our series on Gettysburg's geology, we dive deep into the Gettysburg Basin to uncover how the rocks beneath the famous battlefield shaped the events of history. From the famous McPherson's Ridge to the subtle hills that played crucial roles, discover how changes in rock types have left their mark. Join us as we zoom in on sedimentary rocks, explore the reddish
America's Oldest Rocks - Part 2 - The Unveil
In this episode, we dive back into the bedrock of America to reveal which state holds the crown for the oldest rocks in the U.S.! Join us as we unravel the mysteries of ancient metamorphic formations. From the Morton Gneisses in Minnesota, to the Wyoming craton out West, and ending in Upper Michigan, you'll find out what the oldest rocks are, and how we know! Hit that subscribe button, becaus
Rift, Rock, and Revolution - The Beginnings of the Gettysburg Basin
Join us as we explore the towering history of ancient mountain ranges, delve into the mysteries of the Appalachian Mountains, and break down the geological story behind the Gettysburg region. From the immense rift basins on the East Coast to the intricate details of the Allegheny Orogeny, this episode promises a thrilling ride through Earth's dynamic layers. Get ready to rock with some punny
America's Oldest Rock - Part 1
What is the oldest rock you can stand on in the United States? As the title of Frost et al., 2025 says, it is a simple question with a complex answer. In this episode, we journey to the north-central United States, where you'll find some of the oldest rocks in North America. Join us as we go through the candidate locations and dive real deep into the weeds of zircon uranium-lead geochronolog
The Geology of the Battle of Gettysburg - A PlanetGeo Field Trip
Rockstars! Welcome to our first-ever Planet Geo field trip! Join us as we hit the road to Gettysburg and dig deep into the geology that shaped one of the most pivotal battles of the American Civil War. From the rocks that dictated troop movements to the geomorphology of battlefield ridges, we're taking you on an epic journey. Discover how ancient sediments and volcanic flows set the stage for
The White Cliffs of Dover - Nature's Chalkboard
Welcome to another thrilling episode of PlanetGeo! In this episode, we dive deep into the jaw-dropping geology of the White Cliffs of Dover. We explore the formation and significance of chalk, a rock star in the geologic world. Learn about its formation during the late Cretaceous period, its economic uses, and its pivotal role as an aquifer system in Europe. From the fascinating microscopic cocco
Of Stones And Startups: A Geoscience Transformation?
Join us as we explore the (lack of) intersection of geoscience and entrepreneurship. In this engaging discussion, we delve into the importance of business acumen in geological sciences, but also highlight the cultural obstacles within the field. We share personal insights and experiences while discussing how educators and institutions can better prepare students for innovative roles in geoscience.
The Great River - Boyce Upholt
In this exciting episode, we dive deep into the natural and geological wonders of the Mississippi River with Boyce Upholt, author of 'The Great River.' Join us as we unravel the mysteries and magnificence of this iconic waterway, exploring its historical, ecological, and engineering marvels. Boyce shares his personal journey, the challenges of writing this extensive book, and fascinating
Blue Gold? The Geology of Cobalt
Join us as we dig deep into the world of cobalt! This episode covers everything from the explosive growth in cobalt demand to the intriguing geology behind this critical element. We traverse through magmatic, sedimentary, and laterite cobalt deposits, touching on the societal and environmental issues tied to cobalt mining. Fun and intriguing, this episode is sure to rock your world with cobalt fac
Think Like a Rock Star - It's a Good Time to Be a Geologist
Join us as we delve into a thought-provoking discussion on whether geologists truly think differently. From contemplating the scale of tectonic plates to grappling with deep time and dealing with complex, data-rich scenarios, this episode digs deep into the elements that shape a geologist's unique perspective. Featuring intriguing anecdotes, our class exercises, and even a claim about biologi
Caldera Chronicles - Unzipping the Mysteries of Long Valley With Dr. Andy Calvert
Join us in this explosive episode as we dive deep into the hot topics of Long Valley Caldera with knowledgeable volcanologist Dr. Andy Calvert! Get ready for a magmaficent discussion on one of the most studied volcanic regions in the world. From discovering the volcanic history and understanding the geothermal wonders, to deciphering the processes of second boiling and fractional crystallization,
The Boiling Point - Decoding Long Valley Caldera's Volcanic Future
Discover the uplift-ing story of Long Valley Caldera! 🌋 In this riveting episode, we dig deep into tremors and uplift, unraveling the saga of resurgence domes and the seismic swarms shaking up the geoscience world. From the fascinating formation and swelling of the dome to the debate between magma intrusion and second boiling, we explore the cutting-edge techniques volcanologists use to get to the
Heat Without the Show - Long Valley's Hydrothermal System
Join us as we dig deep into the steaming secrets of Long Valley Caldera's hydrothermal activities! We discuss the unique geological features that make Long Valley Caldera a hotbed of hydrothermal phenomena, from hot springs and fumaroles to the mysterious lack of geysers. Learn about the dynamic interplay of magma, groundwater, and the geothermal power lurking beneath the surface. Plus, we ta
The Geological Fruit Fly - The Bishop Tuff and Long Valley Caldera Eruption
Join us as we dig into the hot (and viscous!) topic of the Long Valley Caldera's explosive history. 🪨 From the dramatic six-day eruption that shaped this geological wonder to the intricate details of the Bishop Tuff, you'll get a front-row seat to the science behind these monumental volcanic events. Discover how a simple basalt intrusion led to a massive caldera-forming eruption and why
The Basalt Before the Blast - The Leadup to The Long Valley Caldera
Join us as we embark on a volcanic journey delving deep into the fiery mechanics of the Long Valley Caldera. In this episode, we dissect the intricate process of mantle-derived basalt and its trans-crustal journey leading to magmatic differentiation and colossal eruptions. We explore the evolution of magma, touching on essential principles like partial melting, crystal assimilation, and fractional
Between a Rock and a Hot Place: Long Valley's Tectonic Tale
Join us as we hack our way through the geological 'weeds' of the Long Valley Caldera! In today's episode, we simplify complex tectonic interactions, explaining how a perfect storm of tectonics led to one of Earth's largest volcanic eruptions. Whether you're a geology novice or a seasoned expert, you'll discover the role of trans-tension, decompression melting, and the
Evolution of Eruption - Intro to the Long Valley Caldera
In this introductory episode, we plunge into the depths of the Long Valley Caldera's explosive history! 🌋 Join us as we unravel the volcanic secrets behind one of the biggest eruptions of the last 2 million years. From the initial mantle melting to the mind-blowing eruption 767,000 years ago, discover how this geological marvel evolved. Dive into the intricate interplay of tectonic forces, ma
How to Get Hired - CEO Lindsey Schultz
In this episode of Planet Geo, we speak with Lindsey Schultz, the CEO of MRC Recruiting, a leading recruitment agency in the mining sector. The discussion explores the evolving landscape of geoscience and mining careers, emphasizing the significant demand for geologists and the factors impacting employability. Lindsey shares personal anecdotes and professional insights on networking, the importanc
The Answers Are in the Rocks - It's a Good Time to Be a Geologist
In this rock-solid episode, we dive into Part 3 of their exciting geology series! 🪨 We discuss why it's a golden age to be a geologist, focusing on how the answers to many of today's challenges are literally set in stone. From contact metamorphism to the fascinating world of serpentinites, we explore how these natural processes are crucial in addressing climate change and charting a path
Induced Earthquakes, Fracking, and the Future of the Subsurface with Dr. Katie Smye
Join us for an exciting episode as we dive deep into the world beneath our feet with Dr. Katie Smye, a renowned research associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin. In this interview, Dr. Smye takes us on a full journey through the intricacies of fracking, induced seismicity, and the oil industry. Learn how modern drilling technologies have revolutionized energy production and the ch
The Future Lies At Depth - It's a Good Time to be a Geologist
In this episode of Planet Geo, Jesse and Chris delve into why now is an exhilarating time to be a geologist. They explore the importance of understanding what's beneath our feet—literally—and its implications for everything from finding deeper, smaller, and more costly geothermal energy sources to creating metamorphic reactions. There's emphasis on how the next big boom in geoscience wil
The Geology of Petoskey Stones
Join us as we dive deep into the world of Petoskey Stones, Michigan’s state fossil! 🌊 In this episode, Chris and Dr. Jesse explore the beautiful, fossilized coral known as Petoskey Stones. Discover how these unique stones, beloved by collectors, tell a story of ancient tropical seas and glacial movements. Learn about their formation, significance, and where to find these geological gems. This epis
Buy Low, Sell High - It's a Good Time to Be a Geoscientist
It's a good time to Buy Geoscience! Join Chris and Jesse as they kick off an exciting series on why it's a great time to be a geoscientist! They dive into enrollment trends, industry demands, and the bright future ahead for those passionate about rocks and the Earth. The discussion covers the evolving perception of geosciences, the decline in geoscience programs, and how upcoming events
Navigating Rocks - Field Geology and the Evolving Geosciences
Join us as we tackle the rocky topic of field geology's relevance in today's world, sparked by a listener question from Taylor. We delve deep into whether mapping rocks and fieldwork are becoming outdated or if they still hold significant value. Chris and Jesse share personal anecdotes, debate the evolving landscape of geoscience education, and highlight the importance of diverse skill s
Geology of Puddingstone
In this exciting episode of Planet Geo, Chris and Jesse dive deep into the fascinating world of pudding stones! From the picturesque Hertfordshire pudding stones in England to the Roxbury conglomerate in Massachusetts, and finally the scientifically wondrous Lorraine Quartzite pudding stone abundant in Michigan. They discuss the unique geological stories each of these beautiful rocks tells and exp
Gaia - The Earth As a System with Dean Lee Kump
In this episode of Planet Geo, hosts Jesse and Chris have an in-depth conversation with Dr. Lee Kump, Dean of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences at Penn State. In a chat that's more exciting than discovering a trilobite fossil, they explore Lee's profound career journey, paper citations thick enough to bury any rock hound, and his transition from groundbreaking geoscience research
Geology's Ologies
In this episode, Chris and Jesse delve into the various 'ologies' within geology, sparked by a listener question regarding the differences between geology and geography. The discussion explores the evolution and rebranding of geology departments, their experiences with different specializations, and the significance of courses like mineralogy and petrology. They share insights into their
Are These Earth's Oldest Rocks?
Get ready to dig deep into the geological weeds with Dr. Jesse Reimink and Chris Bolhuis as they tackle the rock-solid debate about Earth's oldest rocks! Is the Ujaraaluk unit in Northern Quebec truly 4.25 billion years old? Or is it just a rocky mix-up? We meticulously break down isotope geochemistry, hydrothermal beauties, and field observations. Discover how extinct isotope systems shed li
The Hit and Run Rockies - With Professor Basil Tikoff
Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Basil Tikoff, a geoscience professor at the University of Wisconsin. We dive deep into the intriguing and controversial 'hit and run' model of the Rocky Mountains formation. From structural geology to the battle of geological models, this episode covers groundbreaking research, debates in the geological community, and the complexities of un
Idaho to Iceland - Shawn Willsey
In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Shawn Willsey to explore his journey as a geologist and educator. We discuss his impactful YouTube channel, where he brings the wonders of geology to a broad audience, how COVID-19 influenced his educational outreach, and delve into his contributions to seminal geology books like 'Geology Underfoot in Southern Idaho' and 'Roadside Geolo
Earth's Oldest Sediments - The Isua Supracrustal Belt
Hold onto your rock hammers, folks! 📉🌎 In this episode, we're peeling back the layers (pun intended) of the Isua Greenstone Belt in Southwest Greenland. Tune in as we dive into debates about changing the name of geology classes, virtual Fight Clubs, and the complexities of Earth's ancient rocks. Could sediments, pillow basalts, and potential signs of life from 3.8 billion years ago hold
The Geology of Quartz
Quartz crystals are often the first example of minerals that people see, and are a source of inspiration for many a young geologist. In this episode, we delve into a comprehensive discussion about quartz, a major rock-forming mineral characterized by its durability and prevalent in various geological environments. Key topics include the physical properties of quartz, the formation and identificati
Our Past Favorites #8 - Plants, Meanders, and How to Read a Geoscience Paper
Here is a link to the paper we discuss in this episode:In this episode, we talk about meandering streams. Why don't rivers flow in straight paths? As soon as a river flattens out, it begins to meander. It’s these meanders that manage the energy of the water. How? They really do 2 things: 1- they increase the resistance (physics) and 2- they decrease the gradient. Essentially, the river
Our Past Favorites #7 - Not All Who Meander Are Lost
In this episode of Planet Geo, we delve into the fascinating world of meandering streams. Join Dr. Jesse Reimink and Chris Bolhuis as they reminisce about their favorite episodes and explore the dynamics of meandering rivers. We discuss why they’re one of our favorite topics, from the patterns in geology to the intricate details of stream meanders. As we share personal stories and discuss the phys
Our Past Favorites #6 - The Geology of Wine with Brenna Quigley
n this holiday re-release episode of Planet Geo, we revisit our exciting conversation with Brenna Quigley, a geologist turned wine consultant and terroir expert. We discuss her unique career trajectory, the fascinating intersection of geology and wine, and the concept of terroir. Brenna shares insights into her work, how geology influences vineyards, and the impact of terroir on wine taste. We als
Our Past Favorites #5 - Geology and National Defense with Dr. Stefanie Tompkins
In this episode of PlanetGeo, we chat with Dr. Stefanie Tompkins, the director of DARPA, about her incredible journey from geologist to leading one of the most innovative research organizations in the world. We discuss everything from her early passion for geology and the unexpected ways it prepared her for a career in national defense, to DARPA's groundbreaking advancements, including the su
Our Past Favorites #4 - The Geology of Countertops
In this episode we dive into the fascinating world of countertops, exploring the geology behind the materials commonly used in kitchens and homes. They discuss the different types of rocks, including granite, pegmatite, marble, schist, gneiss, quartzite, and even synthetic options like quartz and engineered stones. With their engaging banter and deep geological insights, they unravel the complexit
Our Past Favorites #3 - The Age of the Earth or, How to Build a Planet
In this episode of Planet Geo, we dive deep into the fascinating topic of the age of the Earth and how planets form. We talk about why the age of the Earth is estimated to be around 4.55 billion years and the scientific methods behind determining this age, dating back to the 1955 discovery by Claire Patterson. We discuss the processes involved in planet formation from the solar nebula, the role of
Our Past Favorites #2 - Only The Strong Survive, The Geology of Sand
In this episode of Planet Geo, we dive back into one of our all-time favorite topics: the geology of sand! Join us as we explore why sand is not just beach filler but a critical resource with huge societal relevance. We discuss how different types of sand form from various rock sources and their unique geological stories. From the importance of river sand in construction to the fascinating charact
Our Past Favorites #1 - The Basics of Carbon Dating
In this episode of Planet Geo, we dive into the fascinating world of carbon dating. We revisit one of our favorite topics, explaining how carbon dating works, its limitations, and common misconceptions. From the basics of isotopes and half-lives to discussions about its application in different scientific fields, we cover it all. Join us as we explore how this technique has become a crucial tool i
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