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 scientific significance. Plus, get ready for some rock-solid fun facts about the ancient landscapes and climates these stones reveal. Don't miss this riveting geolo ..read more

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 administrator. Kump’s impressive resume includes over 130 published papers and groundbreaking work in Earth System Science, not to mention scuba diving in poisonous waters for fun. H ..read more

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 recently grown to appreciate. Adding some humor, Chris calls his mother Joyce to get her take on her favorite 'ology.' The episode emphasizes the importance of a broad and di ..read more

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 old secrets. Plus, we'll uncover the realities of cross-cutting relationships and metamorphic mysteries. Dive in, and don't get too basalt by the complexity! Download the Cam ..read more

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't miss this exciting interview packed with scientific exploration and discoveries! Download the CampGeo app now at this link. On the app you can get tons of free content, ex ..read more

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 shares insights into his teaching at the College of Southern Idaho, the processes behind his field-based educational content, and his plans for future projects. Join us for a fascinating con ..read more

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 past? We’ll examine graphite layers and supposed stromatolites (yes, those algal wonders), and their controversies. Geology jargon and some decent rock puns included! Don't just be a ..read more

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 identification of its different varieties like amethyst and rose quartz, and the role of titanium as a temperature indicator. The episode also highlights the use of quartz in learning and its applications in unde ..read more

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 is changing itself to minimize the energy it expends to maintain a state of equilibrium.  We also get into some detail.  Meanders are not random.  They are dir ..read more

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 is changing itself to minimize the energy it expends to maintain a state of equilibrium.  We also get into some detail.  Meanders are not random.  They are dir ..read more