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PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast

PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast

Chris and Jesse

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!

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Top 10 PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast - Volcanoes Revisited: Part 1 - Volcanologist Dr. Diana Roman
play

12/01/22 • 46 min

Learn all the basics of geology in our new conversational textbook - campGEO!
Available here:
geo.campcourses.com
We are on a break! But, we have so much great volcanology content from past episodes and interviews, we decided to release them all in a sequence. Four parts will be coming at you over the next few weeks, with interviews from some of the top volcanologists out there in the field. Let us know what you think!
Remember you can Support Us Here,
and share PlanetGeo with your friends and family!
——————————————————
Instagram: @planetgeocast
Twitter: @planetgeocast
Facebook: @planetgeocast
Support us: https://planetgeocast.com/support-us
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://planetgeocast.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: @planetgeocast
Twitter: @planetgeocast
Facebook: @planetgeocast
Support us: https://planetgeocast.com/support-us
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://planetgeocast.com/

1 Listener

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PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast - Office Hours: Plate Tectonics Questions/Thoughts
play

11/25/22 • 22 min

Learn all the basics of geology in our new conversational textbook - campGEO!
Available here:
geo.campcourses.com
Remember you can Support Us Here,
and share PlanetGeo with your friends and family!
——————————————————
Instagram: @planetgeocast
Twitter: @planetgeocast
Facebook: @planetgeocast
Support us: https://planetgeocast.com/support-us
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://planetgeocast.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: @planetgeocast
Twitter: @planetgeocast
Facebook: @planetgeocast
Support us: https://planetgeocast.com/support-us
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://planetgeocast.com/

1 Listener

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PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast - Rocks get better with age: HOW and WHY we date them
play

02/18/21 • 37 min

In this episode we discuss the many ways in which we determine the ages of rocks. This is a really common and important question that many people have. Here, we cover some of the basics. Basically, the methods used to date rocks range from simple intuition that anyone can do if you just spend some time looking at outcrops, to really advanced techniques involving laser and plasma instruments!
We introduce this topic by describing the differences between relative dating, where we put events in order, and absolute dating where we assign numerical ages to specific events. As you might tell from the discussion, the techniques geoscientists use vary widely! We highlight a few of the key principles established by the OG geologists like Charles Lyell, such as the principle of original horizontality, or the law of cross cutting relations. We also discuss the most memorable places that we have seen where these principles are clearly shown!
We then move into discussing how radiometric dating works, and how radioactive decay is very important to our understanding of the age of events on Earth. We highlight specifically the techniques that Jesse uses in the lab he is building at Penn State to date individual parts of tiny mineral grains that are the size of a human hair! Amazingly, these tiny mineral grains can record events billions of years apart from one another! The techniques we use to get actual ages out of these minerals include blasting them with a laser and injecting that material into a plasma so that we can measure the uranium and lead compositions of the mineral. All fancy stuff that doesn't require a white lab coat!

——————————————————
Instagram: @planetgeocast
Twitter: @planetgeocast
Facebook: @planetgeocast
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ_A82nOMu0nIvZto6zMPqg
Tiktok: @planetgeocast
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://planetgeocast.buzzsprout.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: @planetgeocast
Twitter: @planetgeocast
Facebook: @planetgeocast
Support us: https://planetgeocast.com/support-us
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://planetgeocast.com/

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Join Jesse and Chris as we interview Christina (Tina) Neal. Tina has 38 years of experience as a volcanologist for the USGS. She is the Volcano Science Center Director and is in charge of all 5 of the U.S. volcano observatories.
Yes, that's right - there are 5 volcano observatories in the U.S.: California Volcano Observatory, Cascade Volcano Observatory, Alaska Volcano Observatory, Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, and Hawaii Volcano Observatory. Neal oversees 170 employees and is responsible for science and operational planning; workforce development; improving diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility; and preparing the USGS for U.S. volcanic eruptions.
In 2018, Neal was the Scientist in Charge at the Hawaii Observatory. She paints a vivid picture of what it was like to be there for this historic eruption and also the incredible responsibility to forecast and communicate during this time. She was a finalist for the Samuel Haymen Service to America Medal for her and her teams outstanding work during the eruption.
This interview was a lot of fun for us, because Tina Neal has seen and done a lot in her career. She talks about magma chambers, seismic activity, forecasting eruptions, careers in volcanology, and some scary moments. Enjoy.
——————————————————
Instagram: @planetgeocast
Twitter: @planetgeocast
Facebook: @planetgeocast
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://planetgeocast.buzzsprout.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: @planetgeocast
Twitter: @planetgeocast
Facebook: @planetgeocast
Support us: https://planetgeocast.com/support-us
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://planetgeocast.com/

bookmark
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PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast - Energy and Climate Part 4: Geothermal Energy (Re-Release).
play

12/23/21 • 36 min

This is Part 4 of our re-released Climate and Energy series! We are on a break right now, but there is always great geoscience information to learn about!
Today we get to talk about something really relevant to our everyday lives, and the future - Geothermal Energy!
Geothermal Energy is a term that means a few different things, but it all relies on the Earth being somewhat hot. So, before we dive into the question of what Geothermal Energy is, we need to figure out why the Earth is hot!
The Earth produces a ton of heat, which is really important to understand how our planet operates over long times (remember plate tectonics??). The heat comes from several sources, and some of it is left over from when the Earth formed - so some of the geothermal energy is tapping into 4.5 billion-year-old heat!
Geothermal energy takes two major forms: 1) passive geothermal heat pumps, often used in residential houses like Jesse's and 2) more active geothermal power plants that use lots of heat from the Earth!
As usual, follow us on social media and let us know what you think by sending us an email!

——————————————————
Instagram: @planetgeocast
Twitter: @planetgeocast
Facebook: @planetgeocast
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ_A82nOMu0nIvZto6zMPqg
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://planetgeocast.buzzsprout.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: @planetgeocast
Twitter: @planetgeocast
Facebook: @planetgeocast
Support us: https://planetgeocast.com/support-us
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://planetgeocast.com/

bookmark
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share episode
PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast - The Science of Elevation - Hypsometry

The Science of Elevation - Hypsometry

PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast

play

10/03/24 • 39 min

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, making this complex scientific topic accessible and engaging, even touching on classroom applications and educational tools.

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: @planetgeocast
Twitter: @planetgeocast
Facebook: @planetgeocast
Support us: https://planetgeocast.com/support-us
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://planetgeocast.com/

bookmark
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PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast - Big Valuable Crystals: Pegmatites (GeoShort)

Big Valuable Crystals: Pegmatites (GeoShort)

PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast

play

07/01/21 • 18 min

What type of rock has really big minerals and lots of uncommon elements? It's a pegmatite! Pegmatites contain lots of important elements and minerals, both for our economy and for mineral collectors.
Join us for a tour of pegmatites. We give quick low-down on how pegmatites form. They contain really large mineral grains, which usually implies that they cooled slowly. But, pegmatites form from the leftover fluids from magma chambers and contain all the uncommon (or unpopular!) elements that get concentrated. Once they reach a certain concentration they form rare minerals that are concentrated in things like Lithium, Cesium, or Beryllium!
The minerals in pegmatites grow so fast because the fluid they grow in is much less viscous (more watery) than magma. This means that atoms and ions can diffuse much more quickly to the sites of mineral nucleation, allowing for massive (really really massive, up to 30 ft) crystals of minerals like spodumene and beryl to form.

——————————————————
Instagram: @planetgeocast
Twitter: @planetgeocast
Facebook: @planetgeocast
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ_A82nOMu0nIvZto6zMPqg
Email: [email protected]

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: @planetgeocast
Twitter: @planetgeocast
Facebook: @planetgeocast
Support us: https://planetgeocast.com/support-us
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://planetgeocast.com/

bookmark
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PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast - Geothermal Energy - The Basics

Geothermal Energy - The Basics

PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast

play

09/30/21 • 33 min

Learn all the basics of geology in our new conversational textbook - campGEO!
Available here:
geo.campcourses.com
Today we get to talk about something really relevant to our everyday lives, and the future - Geothermal Energy!
Geothermal Energy is a term that means a few different things, but it all relies on the Earth being somewhat hot. So, before we dive into the question of what Geothermal Energy is, we need to figure out why the Earth is hot!
The Earth produces a ton of heat, which is really important to understand how our planet operates over long times (remember plate tectonics??). The heat comes from several sources, and some of it is left over from when the Earth formed - so some of the geothermal energy is tapping into 4.5 billion-year-old heat!
Geothermal energy takes two major forms: 1) passive geothermal heat pumps, often used in residential houses like Jesse's and 2) more active geothermal power plants that use lots of heat from the Earth!
As usual, follow us on social media and let us know what you think by sending us an email!
——————————————————
Website: https://planetgeocast.com
Instagram: @planetgeocast
Twitter: @planetgeocast
Facebook: @planetgeocast
Email: [email protected]

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: @planetgeocast
Twitter: @planetgeocast
Facebook: @planetgeocast
Support us: https://planetgeocast.com/support-us
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://planetgeocast.com/

bookmark
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share episode
PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast - Grand Canyon Hiking Recommendations (GeoShort)
play

04/08/21 • 12 min

Learn all the basics of geology in our new conversational textbook - campGEO!
Available here:
geo.campcourses.com
Are you planning a trip to the Grand Canyon soon? Are you interested in seeing some cool geoscience features? Join us today as we discuss a few great hikes to check out while visiting the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, USA.
We discuss hiking trails such as the South Kaibab Trail down to the aptly-named Ooh Ahh Point (so beautiful!), and end up at Skeleton Point for a full view of the Canyon in all its glory! Alternatively, you could take the Bright Angel trail, a somewhat nicer hike because of all the restrooms and water stations every 1.5 miles, stop at the amazingly lush Indian Garden, and eventually make your way out to the Plateau Point for a dramatic view directly down to the Colorado River.
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon has an amazing amount of views and hiking that are easily accessible to everyone, even if you don't want to hike very far. For instance, you could start by visiting the small cairns that contain actual samples of the 1.7 billion-year-old Vishnu Schist, or by walking the Trail of Time, where for every large step you take down into the Canyon is equal to going back in time One Million Years in the rock record!
As always, don't feed the wildlife, and downhill hikers always yields to uphill hikers , and everyone yields to mule trains!
If you want to hear an overview of the geology of the Grand Canyon, check out our previous episode covering the full history with detailed descriptions of the major geoscience features of the park. The Grand Canyon has over 1.9 billion years of geology on display, and it is all very visible in a stunning landscape!

——————————————————
Instagram: @planetgeocast
Twitter: @planetgeocast
Facebook: @planetgeocast
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ_A82nOMu0nIvZto6zMPqg
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://planetgeocast.buzzsprout.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: @planetgeocast
Twitter: @planetgeocast
Facebook: @planetgeocast
Support us: https://planetgeocast.com/support-us
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://planetgeocast.com/

bookmark
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PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast - The Greenhouse Effect Unpacked

The Greenhouse Effect Unpacked

PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast

play

11/05/20 • 35 min

Learn all the basics of geology in our new conversational textbook - campGEO!
Available here:
geo.campcourses.com
Join us as we discuss the science behind the greenhouse effect and how it all works.
In this episode, we talk about the forgotten history of the greenhouse gases. The science behind greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and water is 200 years old. What we began to understand two centuries ago came long before humans had any impact on the composition of our atmosphere and it certainly never occurred to Joseph Fourier and John Tyndall that humans could ever influence the greenhouse effect. The discussion then turns to what scientists know about the greenhouse effect and, more precisely, how it works. This natural phenomenon is a good thing as it makes our planet habitable by keeping it warm and preventing the oceans from freezing.
We then turn our attention to the chemistry of burning fossil fuels using coal, natural gas, and gasoline as examples. The main gases produced by burning fossil fuels are carbon dioxide and water. We use this knowledge to talk about the carbon cycle. By following Carbon atoms as they make their way through the atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere, we can clearly identify a Carbon cycle. Specifically, we discuss a long carbon cycle (can take 100,000's of years for this cycle) and a fast Carbon cycle (years or even seasons). Through this part of our discussion, we have only discussed what science has established as fact. The greenhouse effect, the gases involved, and the ways Earth regulates Carbon in cycles is a good thing for our planet. We can't help but point out that through continued Carbon emissions, humans will upset this balance. In fact, we have a nearby example in Venus as a case study of a runaway greenhouse effect.
We hope you enjoy this episode. We sure had fun making it. Cheers.
——————————————————
Instagram: @planetgeocast
Twitter: @planetgeocast
Facebook: @planetgeocast
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://planetgeocast.buzzsprout.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: @planetgeocast
Twitter: @planetgeocast
Facebook: @planetgeocast
Support us: https://planetgeocast.com/support-us
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://planetgeocast.com/

bookmark
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share episode

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FAQ

How many episodes does PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast have?

PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast currently has 217 episodes available.

What topics does PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast cover?

The podcast is about Natural Sciences, Earth Sciences, Podcasts and Science.

What is the most popular episode on PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast?

The episode title 'Volcanoes Revisited: Part 1 - Volcanologist Dr. Diana Roman' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast?

The average episode length on PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast is 36 minutes.

How often are episodes of PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast released?

Episodes of PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast?

The first episode of PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast was released on Aug 22, 2020.

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