PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast

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 answers! Plus, find out what really rock...

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 on the purported stories of animals...

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 revealed by lidar technology. Plus, d...

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 Gettysburg Formation, the Heidelsb...

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, because this episode rocks! 

The paper tha...

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 sediment tales and discover how pas...

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 geochronology! The more you learn, the less you...

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 a historic showdown. Plus, we expl...

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 coccolithophores to the sweeping landsca...

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. Tune in for a thought-provoking co...

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 insights into the Mississippi’s fl...

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 facts unseen! Don't miss the deep...

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 biologists that's bound to cause some...

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, this episode is sure to rock your w...

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 core of volcanic activity. Whethe...

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 ...