We're still here - it has just been a very difficult time, but this week we're talking about Hurricane Melissa and Halloween Candy!
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John Leeman
Shannon Dulin
This week, we chat about our GEARS workshop that recently wrapped up, how it has evolved, and how it went!
Show
John Leeman
Shannon Dulin
This week we are back and discussing the recent large earthquake in Russia!
Show
John Leeman
Shannon Dulin
We're hitting the open road — geologically speaking. This episode kicks off our new state-by-state series covering the most fascinating, scenic, or just plain weird geologic stops in the U.S. We’re going alphabetically (because of course we are), starting with Alabama, Alaska, and Arkansas. Some sites we've visited, others are firmly on our dream list, but every pick is guaranteed to bring a bit of science to your next adventure.
Show
John Leeman
Shannon Dulin
What makes a mineral a favorite? In this fun and down-to-earth episode, John and Shannon swap stories about the minerals they love most — and why. Along the way, they unpack cool crystal habits, formation environments, fieldwork memories, and the aesthetic appeal of minerals from museum specimens to muddy boots.
Shannon shares her appreciation for:
Hematite – With its metallic luster and planetary significance.
Goethite – A subtle but important iron oxide-hydroxide.
Smithsonite – Beautiful colors and a fascinating history in ore geology.
John counters with:
Ulexite – “TV rock,” with fiber-optic properties that never fail to wow.
Uraninite – A dense, radioactive reminder of geologic power and energy.
Tourmaline – A colorful, complex favorite of mineral collectors and scientists alike.
Show
John Leeman
Shannon Dulin
We're back from summer break - Shannon taught field camp, John travelled for work and got hailed on, and more!
Show
John Leeman
Shannon Dulin
This week we talk about how we power our instruments in the field and all of the weird and wonderful ways they fail. Including getting turned into charcoal by lightning!
Show
John Leeman
Shannon Dulin
This week we talk hail, Vesuvius, volcanic bombs, and vitrified brains.
Show
John Leeman
Shannon Dulin
Shannon's class took a trip to study catestrophic sedimentation... and they found it! John switched back to a Mac after 5 years. Join us for these and other exciting updates!
Show
John Leeman
Shannon Dulin
Turner Falls, Oklahoma
Pe'ePe'e Falls, Hawai'i (Big Island)
Cataratas do Iguaçu, Brazil/Argentina
Bonus Waterfalls Mentioned:
Show
John Leeman
Shannon Dulin
This week we talk about snow forecasting as the winter season starts to wrap up and try to figure out if you're really happier in the morning or not!
Show
John Leeman
Shannon Dulin
Ever wondered how geologists figure out when a landslide happened? Or how ancient river terraces and glacial deposits get dated? This week, we dive into the detective work behind dating geomorphic features! 🌍🔬 From tree rings to cosmic rays, we explore the fascinating methods geologists use to reconstruct Earth’s history and assess natural hazards.
Why Dating Landslides and Other Features is Hard
Dating Techniques in Geology
Ever wondered if your favorite neon-orange snack has hidden superpowers? This study explores how strongly absorbing molecules, like those found in food dyes, can reduce light scattering in biological tissues—making them temporarily more transparent! Researchers applied tartrazine (a common food coloring) to live mice and were able to see internal structures like blood vessels without invasive procedures. The discovery could improve biomedical imaging, but we’re mostly just fascinated that Dorito dust might have unexpected side effects!
Show
John Leeman
Shannon Dulin
We just wrapped up our first-ever on-site GEARS Workshop at UTEP and it was a massive success! 🎉 Tune in as we break down the highlights, what we learned, and how this hands-on geoscience training is evolving for the future.
Show
John Leeman
Shannon Dulin
This week, it's time for our 2025 resolutions show, where we see how we can improve this year and discuss everything that's changed in the past year!
Show
John Leeman
Shannon Dulin
This week we wrap up our finding faults show started oh so long ago! Learn how to identify faults in the field and then relax with a coffee with a physicist! A perfectly spherical coffee on a frictionless plane that is!
Show
John Leeman
Shannon Dulin
This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Joshua Pearce to the show! We dive into the world of open-source hardware for academic labs, the challenges and rewards of open-sourcing projects, and the exciting opportunities it creates for researchers and the general public alike. Tune in for a fascinating discussion about innovation, making, and the future of accessible technology!
Show
John Leeman
Shannon Dulin
Shannon went to AGU and we're updated on the meeting and what cool new science things she saw!
Show
John Leeman
Shannon Dulin
Faults are fractures in the Earth's crust where movement has occurred, creating features that are critical to understanding geological processes. In this episode, we explore how to recognize fault zones in the field, examine their widths at different depths, and analyze the breakage patterns and deformation features that define them.
Importance of identifying faults for earthquake research and infrastructure planning: Seismic Hazard and Risk - IRIS
Show
John Leeman
Shannon Dulin
Lithium, often called "white gold," is a critical resource powering modern technologies like electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy storage, and more. This week, we explore lithium's geological formation, mining, processing, and its growing importance in the energy revolution. We also dive into exciting developments in Arkansas, which could make the U.S. a major player in domestic lithium production.
Show
John Leeman
Shannon Dulin
Gold has been a symbol of wealth, beauty, and power for millennia, but its importance extends far beyond jewelry and currency. From its formation deep in the Earth’s crust to its critical uses in electronics, medicine, and aerospace, this episode explores the fascinating journey of gold and why it continues to captivate us today.
Show
John Leeman
Shannon Dulin