PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast

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 tackle some explosive hydrothermal er...

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 Bishop Tuff is considered the ...

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 crystallization. Don’t miss out on...

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 intricate dance of fault lines in ...

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, mantle upwellings, and crustal melti...

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 importance of continuous education, effectiv...

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 towards the future. We even touch...

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 challenges associated with wastewater...

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 will be driven by the world's cha...

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 episode is perfect for rock hounds, fo...

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 will create a surge in demand for s...

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 sets in the field. Get ready for a j...

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 explore their origins, formations, and...

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 to becoming an influential adminis...

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 favorite fields and ones they have...

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 light on our planet's fiendishly...

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 understanding mountain formation. Don...

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 Geology of Idaho.' Shawn also share...

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 keys to planet Earth's p...