What is the hardest rock to make? Today's rock is very common in Earth's ancient past, and it should be everywhere today. However, it's nearly impossible to form in nature or the laboratory. Some experiments have tried for 32 years with no success! This rock is dolomite. Today, we address The Dolomite Problem, one of geology's longest-running mysteries. Along the way, we'll meet some smelly but helpful bacteria, sort a fruit stand, and learn about the cutting edge of geology research.Extra Credit: Eat some citrus, and check your home for natural gas leaks.
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47: The Limestone Family
Donate to support the show- anything is appreciated!Today is a tale of two sisters: limestone and dolomite. Limestone is far more popular and well-behaved, one of the most common stones in nature and in architecture. Dolomite, though similar in many ways, is one of the most difficult rocks to make on Earth. Even dolomite’s name is a bone of contention. Today, we introduce both siblings to the show as we move forward in time, 3.75 billion years ago. Along the way, I’ll give you a real experiment to try in the kitchen and we’ll smash some stones together. Extra Credit: Try today’s kitchen experiment, find some limestone around you, or get some calcium in your diet (dairy, leafy greens, or tofu).
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46: Rising From the Ashes
What types of volcanoes were erupting 3.8 billion years ago? Today, we meet a new type of rock and a new type of volcano, far more powerful and dangerous than those we've met so far. The old volcano is long dead, but the scars it left behind can still be seen across the Greenland landscape. Along the way, we'll learn how different types of lavas are made, why a few rocks can float in water, and learn about a field trip Dylan took to Iceland in 2010. Extra Credit: Eat a grilled cheese sandwich, blow a bubble in gum, or make campfire.
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45: As Above, So Below
What was Earth's mantle like 3.8 billion years ago, and how do we know? The mantle is a realm that humans have never visited, and examining it is only harder in the ancient past. Fortunately, the mantle sometimes gifts us with beautiful green rocks from the deep, souvenirs of an unknown underworld. Today, we learn how the mantle has changed over time, and its surprising connections to outer space. On the way, we'll meet the father of geochemistry, revisit old asteroid friends, and learn why you should always flour your berries before making a cake.Extra Credit: Bake some blueberry muffins.Donate to support the show- anything is appreciated!
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44: From the Abyss
What is the world's oldest slice of mantle, and how did it reach the surface? Today, we'll meet the first tangible piece of the world below the crust, a world humans still have not visited. Along the way, we'll meet an old mineral friend from Season 1, a researcher named Friend, and learn how diamonds can be a geologist's best friend when looking for slices of the mantle.Extra Credit: Clean your bathtub, or call an old friend.Donate to support the show- anything is appreciated!
This podcast starts at the beginning of Earth's prehistory and works forward through time. Bedrock will explore the first 90% of Earth’s past, a time known as the Precambrian Era. Before humans, before dinosaurs… there was the Precambrian.
The Earth was an incredibly alien world, but not a dead one.
Along the way, you will build a mental toolkit to see the world like a geologist. You will never look at a mountain, the moon, or pond scum in quite the same way again.
Welcome to Bedrock.
For transcripts, visuals, and references, check out https://www.bedrockpodcast.com
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