TravelingGeologist: Recent Episodes
TravelingGeologist
In this episode of Backyard Geology, Serena takes you to the Jack Hills in western Australia to peer 4.39 billion years into the past. Detrital zircon grains found in the rocks of the Jack Hills are the oldest known materials existing on Earth today. Their chemical makeup preserves Earth’s oldest and most elusive Eon, the […]
In this episode of Backyard Geology, Serena takes you to the Semail Ophiolite. The small mountains on the northern coast of Oman once resided at the bottom of an ocean, before being uplifted onto land. Here, the igneous stratigraphy of the ocean crust is perfectly preserved, proving a standard for geologists to study. A special […]
In this episode of Backyard Geology, Serena takes you to the Galapagos Islands. Here, helium isotopes and the observations of Charles Darwin tell the tales of evolution, both in terms of geology and ecology respectively. As an isolated group of ocean islands, the Galapagos became the perfect place to observe the fine details of evolution. […]
In this episode of Backyard Geology, Serena takes you to Scotland where foundations for modern geology were laid. In the late 18th century, naturalists seeking to explain the landscapes around them started to propose radical ideas about the origins of rocks and the cycling of Earth’s materials. Tune in to hear about the people, places […]
In this episode of Backyard Geology, Serena takes you to Iceland to see the early stages of geologic succession in action. As one of the youngest nations in the world, geologically speaking, of course, Iceland showcases fresh geologic processes as an active volcanic island. Tune in to learn about what makes Iceland a great place […]
In this episode of Backyard Geology, Serena takes you 80 degrees north to the archipelago of Svalbard. Here, the cryosphere speaks to the effects of global warming and researchers can observe our changing world. As a change from our usual programing, it’s what sits on top of the rocks that is the hot topic, or, […]
Do you enjoy learning new things in all fields of geosciences? Do you have a soft spot for shenanigans? Then this podcast is just for you! In this podcast, Dr B. interviews interesting geoscientist with interesting stories. To skip the game jump to minute 5:00 Resources mentioned in this episode: Go back and listen to […]
Show notes Do you enjoy learning new things in all fields of geosciences? Do you have a soft spot for shenanigans? Then this podcast is just for you! In this podcast, Dr B. interviews interesting geoscientist with interesting stories. Resources mentioned in this episode: Go back and listen to the previous GC episodes: https://www.travelinggeologist.com/geology-podcast-network/ Claudio’s […]
Show notes Do you enjoy learning new things in all fields of geosciences? Do you have a soft spot for shenanigans? Then this podcast is just for you! In this podcast, Dr B. interviews interesting geoscientist with interesting stories. Resources mentioned in this episode: Go back and listen to the previous GC episodes: https://www.travelinggeologist.com/geology-podcast-network/ Claudio’s […]
Do you remember the episodes where we interviewed researchers from the LLUNE? If you haven’t listened to them yet, go back to episodes Ophiolites, Rocks under pressure, and Biostratigraphy with Dr. Luke Milan, Dr. Tim Chapman, and Dr. Maritta Betts from LLUNE. In this Bonus episode, Marissa talks with DrB about the Geological Timescales and […]
Do you enjoy learning new things in all fields of geosciences? Do you have a soft spot for shenanigans? Then this podcast is just for you! In this podcast, Dr B. interviews interesting geoscientist with interesting stories. Skip the game [09:00] minutes. Resources mentioned in this episode: Go back and listen to the previous GC […]
Do you enjoy learning new things in all fields of geosciences? Do you have a soft spot for shenanigans? Then this podcast is just for you! In this podcast, Dr B. interviews interesting geoscientist with interesting stories. Resources mentioned in this episode: Go back and listen to the previous GC episodes: https://www.travelinggeologist.com/geology-podcast-network/ Dan’s email: daniel.brennan1@postgrad.curtin.edu.au […]
Do you enjoy learning new things in all fields of geosciences? Do you have a soft spot for shenanigans? Then this podcast is just for you! In this podcast, Dr B. interviews interesting geoscientist with interesting stories. Resources mentioned in this episode: Go back and listen to the previous GC episodes: https://www.travelinggeologist.com/geology-podcast-network/ Dr Kathryn Goodenough […]
4.6 billion years is an incredibly long time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed even thinking about how long that is, and where geologic events fit on it, have no fear. In this bonus episode of Backyard Geology, Serena talks about the geologic time scale and how famous geologic processes and structures across Canada fit into it. […]
Studying mountains is a mammoth task, pun intended, as Dr. Kyle Larson explains in this bonus episode of Backyard Geology: Canada Edition. The Canadian Cordillera, made up of the Coast Range and the Rockies, must be studied with an interdisciplinary approach from the largest to the smallest structures. Tune in to learn more!
In this episode of Backyard Geology, Serena takes you to Kelowna to look at western Canada’s resident mountains. The Canadian Cordillera are a series of mountain chains formed by different types of tectonic processes on the margin of the North American Plate starting about 200 million years ago. Learn about the uplift of Canada’s famous […]
The present is the key to the past, and in the case of placer mining in the Yukon, the past is the key to the present! Sydney Van Loon is a geologist and historian who works with Canadian gold mining archives to explore mine sites today. Join Serena and Sydney to learn about placer mining […]
In this episode of Backyard Geology, Serena takes you to Whitehorse, Yukon. Today, the Miles Canyon, passing through Whitehorse, is home to spectacular views of columnar basalt and a hydro electric dam. But before the dam, the Miles Canyon was a memorable point of passage for those traveling north to Dawson City in the height […]
Bones are not the only thing that geologists use to paint a picture of the Cretaceous period. Tune in to this week’s bonus episode of Backyard Geology: Canada Edition to hear Serena’s talk with fossil enthusiast Dr. Jon Noad. Dr. Noad touches on other forms of fossils found throughout the Alberta badlands and the stories […]
In this episode of Backyard Geology, Serena takes you to Drumheller, Alberta, home to the largest known assembly of cretaceous fossils, including those of dinosaurs. Sedimentation on the coastal region of the Western Interior Seaway about 70 million years ago preserved the remains of dinosaurs, amphibians and fish and more recent erosional processes have uncovered […]
Diamonds are a geologist’s best friend – that is, if you want to study the mantle! Dr. Janina Czas studies ancient cratons, which are hosts to kimberlites and kimberlite diamonds, and in this bonus episode of Backyard geology: Canada Edition, Dr. Czas walks us through Canadian diamond sources and what they can tell us about […]
In this episode of Backyard Geology, Serena takes you to the Diavik Diamond Mine in the Northwest Territories. Here, a field of kimberlite dikes host Earth’s famous hitchhikers: diamonds. Learn how diamonds made their way to the Northwest Territories and how kimberlites rule the world of hard-rock mining.
Geologists have eyes for the subsurface, and that is especially true for geophysicists like Dr. Fiona Darbyshire who studies the complicated structure of Earth’s crust. Parts of the Canadian prairies hide the remnants of an ancient, colossal mountain building event, preserved in the crust. Dr. Darbyshire explains how geologists study these events by examining the […]
Dr. B was visited by the three spirits of Christmas to be reminded of all we’ve learned in this podcast so far about the past, present and future of our planet. Sing along with the Geo-themed carol (for Full lyrics visit http://www.travelinggeologist.com/podcast/gneiss-chats-christmas/) 12 Days of GeoXmas On the (First trhough Twelfth) day of ChristmasMy geo friends […]
In this episode of Backyard Geology, Serena takes you to Regina, Saskatchewan to explore one of the greatest puzzles in Canadian geologic history. The Trans-Hudson Orogeny was a massive Paleoproterozoic mountain building event that built a large portion of North America. Over a billion years of erosion now conceals the Himalaya-sized event in the flat […]
Geology students: this is NOT an episode to miss! Check out Serena’s talk with geologist and businesswoman extraordinaire Dr. Catherine Farrow. In this bonus episode of Backyard Geology: Canada Edition, Dr. Farrow shares her experiences working alongside mining companies and her rich career history here in Canada.
Episode summary introduction: In this episode of Backyard Geology, Serena takes you to Sudbury, ON where a massive meteorite impact 1.85 billion years ago left an economically significant scar on the terrane. Now one of the top global producers of nickel, Sudbury’s owes it fame to Earth’s own natural smelting event that brought precious metals […]
The more rocks you talk about, the more you learn! Tune in for another bonus episode of Backyard Geology: Canada Edition where Serena talks with Henry Gage, who studies freeze-thaw weathering in the Niagara Escarpment. When it comes to urban landscapes, geologists play a key role in predicting, understanding and preventing geohazards. Host Information: Serena […]
Episode summary introduction: In this episode of Backyard Geology, Serena takes you to Hamilton, ON to look at the sedimentary structure that locals call “The Mountain”. The Niagara Escarpment is a steep cliff face that bisects southern Ontario. The cliff face is home to scenic hiking trails and countless waterfalls. For geologists, the Escarpment showcases […]
We can’t get enough of fossils, and I hope we can say the same about you. That’s why Serena met with fossil lover and fellow Traveling Geologist team member Noelle Lin to follow up on the wonders of Mistaken Point. Check out this bonus episode of Backyard Geology: Canada Edition to learn about paleoenvironmental reconstruction! […]
Episode summary introduction: In this episode of Backyard Geology, Serena takes you to St. John’s Newfoundland. The southeastern tip of the peninsula, 130km down the coast from the city, host to the oldest known forms of large, complex life dating back 565 million years ago from the Ediacaran Period. The exposed sedimentary rocks, which make […]
Are you a gamer? Do you know the lingo? Marie Curie Fellow Dr Eleanore Blereau from the University of Leeds is not only a gaming expert, but she is also a petrochronology one. Eleanore explains to Dr. B and Dr. Silvia that petrochronology is a way to describe a field of science where petrologists utilize […]
This is the third and last of three special episodes in partnership with the Litho Lab University of New England or LLUNE for short. Which one is your favorite Gneiss Chats game? For this Special episode with Dr. Marissa Betts from LLUNE, Dr. B brings back the highly requested Dating Game. Which one is Marissa’s […]
Episode summary introduction: In this episode of Storybook Earth, Jess brings us a beautiful tale of her time spent exploring the wonders of Tibet, and how she unraveled her path to geology. Listen as she shares memories of her father and how his connection to his daughter led Jess to embark on a trip through the […]
In this episode Dr. B had an interesting chat with brilliant actor and researcher Dr. Luke Daly from the University of Glasgow. Luke explains the difference between meteorites, fireballs, meteoroids, and UFOs and how the fireball network monitors the ‘sky activity’ across the world to know when a meteorite hits the ground. They talk also […]
This is the second of three special episodes in partnership with the Litho Lab University of New England or LLUNE for short. Have you ever felt under a lot of pressure? Well, Dr. Timothy Chapman from LLUNE chats with Dr. B about rocks that formed at very high pressures (HP), way higher than the one […]
Episode summary introduction: In this episode of Storybook Earth, Jess unravels the amazing geologic history of the Grand Canyon! If you have never been to this incredible geologic wonder before, then this episode is the perfect place to begin. Jess leads you through time as if you were walking the Canyon yourself. She also details a […]
A landscape is a palimpsest because it is the result of different geological processes that build and shape the planet where we live on. In this episode Dr. B chats about how beautiful landscapes develop and form breathtaking natural shapes, by interviewing an expert on this topic, Dr. Chiara Zuffetti from the University of Milan, […]
Episode summary introduction: In this episode of Storybook Earth, Jess shares the stories of zircons and why they have become a cornerstone of geochronology, or, the study of geologic aging. Find out how Jess discovered her passion for zircon geochronology, what zircons are, where you can find them, and why they can be compared to the […]
This is the first of three special episodes in partnership with the Litho Lab University of England or LLUNE for short. In this episode Dr. B plays the game ‘Time for Questions’ with the three researchers of the LLUNE Special Series: Dr Luke Milan, Dr Tim Chapman, and Dr. Marissa Betts. Who is going to […]
Episode summary introduction: In this episode, Jess begins our story with the mountains of Tibet, a landscape shaped by time, and an encounter with a lone wolf. From this beautiful setting, Jess tells the tale of oxygen. Oxygen has a varied and interesting history on Earth, and evidence of its existence in the distant past is […]
Frankenstein was a young scientist who enjoyed doing scientific experiments to create a sapient creature. In this episode our guest is a great Senior Experimental Petrologist who talks about geo-scientists who create rocks and experiments to study Earth processes. Professor Stefano Poli from the University of Milan tells Dr. B everything about the Petrological Cuisine […]
Episode summary introduction: In this episode of Storybook Earth, Jess tells how some rocks’ stories begin with color. Being able to detect pattern and color is an important tool for any scientist, geologists included. But, color can also be deceiving. Why? Well, Jess can tell you! In a tale woven with color Jess explains the significance of […]
For this final chapter, Part III, of the Rebecca Trilogy, Dr. B plays a geology-version of the famous game show Family Feud that we renamed the Geology-Field Game. Our guest, Professor Rebecca Flowers from the University of Colorado Boulder, tries to find out which one was the most popular answers from our geological survey, play […]
Episode summary introduction: In this episode of Storybook Earth, Jess will tell the story of rocks. Did you know that there are many different kinds of rocks? Do you know how they are made? Well, Jess has all the answers and will share the ins and outs of the earth under your feet. She will even […]
Have you ever felt the earth shaking under your feet? For Part II of the Rebecca Trilogy, Professor Rebecca Harrington from the Ruhr-Universität Bochum joined Dr. B for a Gneiss Chat about Earth Tremors. In this episode Rebecca tell us about her research group’s interest in understanding natural and induced earthquakes in different places around […]
Episode summary introduction: In this episode of Storybook Earth, Jess tells the intricate tale of faults. She will talk about exactly what a fault is, how it is formed, as well as the different kinds of faults…yes, there are more than one! She will even talk about her own experiences with faults and a special one close to […]
Over the next three episodes Dr. B is coincidently interviewing three Rebeccas, about fields in geosciences that are completely different from each other. This is the first episode of the Rebecca Trilogy, and for this first piece Dr. B has a Gneiss Chat with Dr Rebecca Paisley, an exploration geochemist from Cornish Lithium in the […]
Episode summary: In this episode of Storybook Earth, Jess shares her own experiences with the natural environment of her childhood home and how its unique landscape was shaped by glacial activity during the ice ages of geologic history. What are ice ages? How do they happen? When was the last one? Jess has answers to […]
Hot, hot, hot, rocks! This episode is going to be a real burn, because we are going to talk about metamorphic rocks that have experienced very high temperature metamorphism, deep in the crust, the so called Ultra High Temperature or UHT conditions. Professor Mahyra Tedeschi from the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) explains what […]
In this episode Dr B will have a double interview with Dr Uwe Kirscher and Prof Ross Mitchell. Well, actually, to be more precise, Ross started the interview as an Associate Professor and finished it as a Full Professor, that was pretty dope! In the first part of the episode, the fun game of Geopardy […]
This episode can be treated as a sequel to the previous episode with Dr Bryant Ware on radiogenic isotopes. This time Dr B has a Gneiss Chat with Mikaela Moore, who tells us about the use of Stable IsoTOPes in geoscience. Mikaela just obtained a bachelor degree from Queens University in geology and she is […]
In this episode we have a bit of a freaky Friday thing going. Gneiss Chats producer and occasional co-host Dr Silvia Volante is the host of the game Newly Grad (formerly known as Twinning). She interviews Dr B and his co-author, producer of the Gneiss Chats podcast and also BEST FRIEND…or just FRIEND? No, BEST […]
For the first time Dr. B is going back to the motherland. In this episode he interviews his countrywoman and also ECR celebrity Dr Bruna Carvalho, who is a postdoc at the University of Padova in ‘Italia’. This episodes’ central theme is Melt Inclusions. But before starting to dig into the good bits, Dr. B […]
Episode summary introduction: In this episode Dr B. decided to investigate and discuss about contested theories in geoscience and the reasons for their creation with current PhD candidate Angus Rogers at Monash University. As we all know, Dr B enjoys to break the ice with a funny game and for this episode our guest Angus will find out his favorite geochronometer. […]
Episode summary introduction: Space? Exoplanets? In this episode our guest is Dr Francesca Miozzi aka ‘La Giovi’ who will take us outside of our home ‘the Earth’ by talking about to the study of exoplanets. La Giovi will tell us about how, through experimental petrology, she tries to understand C-rich exoplanets versus O-rich planets […]
Episode summary introduction: In this episode of Backyard Geology, Chris explores the incredible variety and flow of lava! Not everyone’s backyard is a place to see lava, but that doesn’t mean that lava flows are uncommon. Chris will explore the major types of lava as well as share some unbelievable, and in some cases, catastrophic […]
Episode summary introduction: “How old is the Earth?” Generations of scholars have asked this fundamental question, and estimates ranged from a few thousand years to indefinite time spans. Geologic and biologic observations from the 18th and 19th centuries (like Darwin’s theory of evolution and Hutton’s concept of deep time) suggested that Earth was old – but […]
Episode summary introduction: In this episode Dr B. interviews, the original traveling geologist himself, Assistant Prof. Chris Spencer. Chris shares how the initiative of traveling geologist started during his PhD studies in St. Andrews, and also, his love for one of the most fascinating parts of our job: fieldwork. During this Gneiss chats episode, […]
Episode summary introduction: In this episode of Backyard Geology, Chris explores oil found right in people’s backyards. Finding oil in your backyard depends on a host of variables that all need to align perfectly. From the hill billies who struck oil and moved to Beverly Hills to the oil dowsers of the Appalachians, oil has […]
Episode summary introduction: This episode of GEOY explores the incredible and inspiring life of notable geologist Tanya Atwater, the Mother of Plate Tectonics. Geologists Mikaela Moore and Gillian Ivey discuss Atwater’s life from a young age, through her major discoveries regarding the theories of plate tectonics, obstacles and discrimination faced as a woman in science […]
Episode summary introduction: The guest of this episode of Gneiss chats is Dr. Erin Martin a research fellow from Monash University in Melbourne. Dr. B. interviews Erin about supercontinents: what they are, how they form, and what are the plate-scale mechanism and processes related to the movement of the landmasses forming supercontinents. Erin loves […]
Episode summary: This episode of GEOY explores the life of Dr. John Tuzo Wilson, the famous geologist responsible for the Wilson cycle and the discovery of transform faults. Geologists Noelle Lin and Mikaela Moore discuss the important contributions Wilson made, including his time at the Geological Survey of Canada, his research on hotspots, and contributions […]
Episode summary introduction: This episode of Gneiss chats has Laureate Professor Peter Cawood from Monash University in Melbourne as a guest. Dr B. interviews Peter about fundamental geological questions that Peter and his research group, the Pulse of the Earth, are trying to answer. In this episode Dr B. and his guest will discuss about […]
Do you enjoy learning new things in all fields of geosciences? Do you have a soft spot for shenanigans? Then this podcast is just for you! In this podcast, Dr B. interviews interesting geologists with interesting stories.
Episode summary: This episode of GEOY takes you back to the 18th century when James Hutton set out for his famous expedition to Siccar Point, and introduced the concept of geological time. Back in Hutton’s day when it was widely believed that Earth came into creation only about 6000 years ago, the narration of […]
Episode summary introduction: In this episode of Backyard Geology, Chris explores the natural phenomena of landslides. Landslides, however common, are incredible to witness and horrific if caught in one. But, how and why do they happen? Chris will answer these questions through a discussion of the impact of a fault scarp and its role in […]
Episode title: The Love of Fish Bones with Meeman Chang Episode summary introduction: This episode of GEOY explores the life of Dr. Meeman Chang, a leading Chinese vertebrate paleontologist. She spent her life studying fish faunas and clarified the link between Paleozoic fish and land-based vertebrates’ evolution. Geologists Noelle Lin and Xi Wang discuss […]
So you wanna find gold in your backyard? Listen to find out how! Episode summary introduction: In this episode of Backyard Geology, Chris explores the precious mineral of gold! Do you think you can find gold in your backyard? Well, that depends… Find out why we care about gold so much in the first place […]
Episode summary introduction: In this episode of Backyard Geology, Chris explores one of the largest mammals ever to walk this earth – Mammoths! He will discuss the evolutionary history, migration patterns, and finally extinction of this great species, as well as stories of people who actually have found mammoths in their backyards. Take a listen, […]
This episode of GEOY is dedicated to brilliant interdisciplinary scientist, and pioneer polar explorer Alfred Wegener, whose theory of continental drift shook the foundations of geology, paleontology, and biology research. While today continental drift and plate tectonics are firmly established concepts, when first proposed Alfred Wegener’s theory was ridiculed and received immense push-back by the scientific community. In this episode geology researchers Janne Liebmann and Bryant Ware take you on a science odyssey from initial rejection of Wegener’s ideas as a “geo fairy tale” to the accumulation of evidence that finally prompted its acceptance and laid the groundwork for the theory of plate tectonics.