In this episode of PlanetGeo, we sit down with Lauren Heerschap, the CEO of Brunton, to discuss her impressive and inspiring career journey. Lauren shares fascinating insights into her upbringing, her varied roles in geoscience, and the innovation behind the reinvention of the Brunton compass. We delve into the intersection of geology and entrepreneurship, her educational philosophy, and what it's like running a renowned American-made manufacturing company. Join us for an engaging conversatio...

In this episode, we dive into the changing landscape of education, exploring our own experiences with nervousness, student engagement, and the evolving challenges faced by both teachers and students today. We discuss the balance between content mastery and life skills, the phenomenon of grade inflation, and the impressive qualities that make students stand out. Finally, we share insights on preparing students for life beyond the classroom and reflect on the remarkable capabilities of the new ...

In this episode, we dive deep into the contentious and fascinating world of scientific credit in geoscience. Through engaging stories and discussions, we examine how key discoveries, like continental drift and seafloor spreading, were developed and often led to debates over who deserved recognition. We also explore the roles of lesser-known scientists and the impact of peer review on scientific advancement. Join us as we unravel the complexities of credit and recognition in the scientific com...

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: @planetgeocastSupport us: https://planetgeocast.com/support-usEmail: [email protected]: https:/...

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: @planetgeocastSupport us: https://planetgeocast.com/support-usEmail: [email protected]: https:/...

In this episode of "Planet Geo," we delve into whether geological events such as earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and extreme weather are becoming more common or severe. Through a lively and humorous discussion, including a guest appearance from Joyce!, we explore the statistical analysis of earthquakes over the past 35 years, concluding that large earthquakes are not increasing in frequency or severity. We also discuss the possible impacts of climate change on landslides and extreme weath...

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating concept of hypsometry and its applications in understanding Earth's topography. We start with a light-hearted email from a listener, but quickly transition into discussing the principles of hypsometric curves. We break down how these curves provide insights into the distribution and stability of Earth's crust, oceanic and continental. Through our conversation, we explore the role of plate tectonics and erosion in shaping the Earth's surface, maki...

In this episode we engage in a lively conversation with Dr. Rachel Phillips, popularly known as GeoGirl on YouTube. Rachel shares her journey from resisting geology despite her geologist parents, to embracing it due to a chemistry class in college. She discusses her PhD research on ancient ocean chemistry and reveals her recent focus on geoscience education and communication through an NSF fellowship. With insights into her popular YouTube channel, survey findings on geoscience misconceptions...

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of geological sampling. We start with a humorous discussion on episode titles and then transition into the complexities of geological sampling, including personal anecdotes about our own experiences and lessons learned. We discuss the importance of sample size, statistical models, and challenges in the field, as well as the significance of detailed documentation and the emotional connection to our rock collections. We also touch on the joy ...

In this episode of Planet Geo, we delve into the geology of the Michigan Basin, focusing on its formation, sedimentary layers, and economic significance. We discuss the concept of a self-fulfilling prophecy in basin formation, explaining how deposition and subsidence work together to create and deepen basins over time. We also highlight the unique characteristics of the Michigan Basin, including its sedimentary composition, evaporite deposits, and the role it plays in housing aquifers. Additi...

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating topic of garnet eyes, discussing how these unique geological features form and what they reveal about the history of metamorphic rocks. We explore different types of reaction rims and depletion halos, breaking down the complex processes that create these striking features. We also share personal stories and insights from our own experiences with garnet formations in places like the Tetons and Gore Mountain. Whether you're a seasoned geologist or ...

In this episode of PlanetGeo, we delve into the fascinating world of eskers, exploring their formation, significance, and economic importance. We explain how eskers, sinuous ridges formed by pressurized meltwater channels at the base of glaciers, provide crucial geological insights and serve as valuable tools in mineral exploration, such as in diamond mining. We share personal anecdotes and compelling visuals to illustrate how these unique glacial features reveal past glacial activity and hel...

Dr. Jesse Reimink and Chris Bolhuis share their firsthand experiences and insights from recent fieldwork. The episode delves into their fascinating observations and discussions about various geological features, including lava inflation structures, such as tumuli and inflation pits, the stunning landscapes shaped by fjords in Iceland, and the deposits of eskers in the Northwest Territories. They highlight the importance of careful, methodical analysis in geology and discuss how to draw conclu...

Dr. Jesse Reimink and Chris Bolhuis delve into the fascinating geological phenomenon of columnar jointing, sharing insights from Chris's recent trip to Iceland. They discuss the formation, size variations, and unique patterns of these striking hexagonal columns found in basaltic lava flows, addressing questions such as why they form, why some flows exhibit them while others don't, and the conditions that lead to different column orientations. The conversation also covers historical theories a...

In this episode, Chris Bolhuis and Dr. Jesse Reimink delve into the intricacies of the Jack Hills zircons from Western Australia, discussing their formation, significance, and the ongoing scientific debates surrounding them. They explore topics like plate tectonics, the age of zircons, and the methodologies used to study these ancient grains, and connect the importance of this research to broader planetary science and philosophical implications.Learn more, and see all the images with exclusiv...

In this episode of Planet Geo, Dr. Jesse Reimink and Chris Bolhuis delve into the fascinating and sometimes perilous world of landslides, focusing on a recent landslide known as the Big Fill landslide that occurred in the Teton Pass. They discuss the various triggers and mechanisms behind landslides, including the impact of water, earthquakes, and human activities. The hosts also highlight key historical landslides in the Teton region, such as the Gros Ventre and the Quake Lake slides, and ex...

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jesse Reimink and Chris Bolhuis delve into part two of their discussion on Earth's oldest rocks, specifically the Acasta Gneiss. They explore the origin, complex history, and significance of these ancient rocks, including insights from Dr. Reimink's PhD research which suggests an Icelandic rather than subduction zone setting for their formation. The conversation covers the challenges of studying such remote and deformed rocks, the iterative process of geological f...

Dive into the fascinating world of Mammoth Cave with Dr. Jesse Reimink and Chris Bolhuis in this episode of Planet Geo. From understanding the types of passageways formed by ancient underground rivers to exploring the intricate and beautiful cave decorations like stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone, this episode provides a comprehensive and engaging look at one of the natural wonders of the world. Whether you’re preparing for a visit or just curious about subterranean geology, this in-dep...

In this episode, Chris Bolhuis and Dr. Jesse Reimink dive into the complexities of Zircon grains from the Jack Hills conglomerate in Western Australia—some of the Earth's oldest fragments. They discuss the environmental conditions necessary for their formation and survival, the role of magma differentiation in creating intermediate to felsic rocks, and the geochemical analysis using oxygen and hafnium isotopes which indicate the presence of water on Earth's surface over 4 billion years ago. T...

In this episode of Planet Geo, Chris Bolhuis and Dr. Jesse Reimink dive deep into the geology of the Grand Teton National Park. They cover the park's ancient rock formations, from the Archean gneiss to the granites formed around 2.5 billion years ago. The discussion also explores significant geological events like the Severe and Laramide orogenies, the impact of the Yellowstone Hotspot Track, and the glacial activity that sculpted the dramatic landscapes of the Tetons. Get access to The ...

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: @planetgeocastSupport us: https://planetgeocast.com/support-usEmail: [email protected]: https:/...

This episode is Part 2 of our Mammoth Cave series - where we discuss the geological setup that enabled creation of the longest cave system in the world. The geology of the region, including the Green River, set the stage for the formation of Mammoth Cave, the largest cave system that has been mapped. Stay tuned for our third installment on Mammoth Cave, where we discuss the cave 'decorations' or mineral formations. Download the CampGeo app now at this link. On the app you can g...

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: @planetgeocastSupport us: https://planetgeocast.com/support-usEmail: [email protected]: https:/...

This is the first episode in a series of 3 on the world's longest cave system - Mammoth Cave in Kentucky. In this episode, Chris and Jesse talk a little about Mammoth and some of its impressive statistics. The focus however, is more about the necessary ingredients for cave development in general. We talk about the 4 general ingredients: suitable rock type, a solvent, hydraulic gradient, and time. We also go into some detail on what each of these really mean. We h...