The Big Blue Rock Pod
Welcome to the Big Blue Rock Pod, produced by the Kentucky Geological Survey, at the University of Kentucky. This podcast is a fun, conversational approach to discussing all things geology and earth processes. We primarily focus on Kentucky. We talk emerging ideas in research, along with classic topics in earth science for all levels of interest.
Episodes
Thursday Nov 30, 2023
Ep. 24: Let’s get geochemical
Thursday Nov 30, 2023
Thursday Nov 30, 2023
Matt, Sarah, and Doug discuss all things geochemistry with UK Earth and Environmental Sciences professor Andrea Erhardt. The trio tackles the importance of geochemistry to our understanding earth processes, the atmosphere, and other planets. Dr. Erhardt takes them through a wide-range of topics including geochemical spheres, high and low-temp geochemistry, chemical weathering, paleo climates, mineral precipitation, the dolomite problem, geochemical environments, pH, acid mine drainage, water contamination, eutrophication, and much more!
Tuesday Oct 31, 2023
Ep. 23: October Conglomerate
Tuesday Oct 31, 2023
Tuesday Oct 31, 2023
Matt, Sarah, and Doug are catching up on a busy October at KGS with a conglomerate of topics. There is no guest this month but we summarize the successful KGS Earth Science Open House, KGS’s participation at the Geological Society of America Annual Meeting in Pittsburgh, and Matt’s trip to Sri Lanka.
Thursday Sep 28, 2023
Ep. 22: Scientists or Philosophers. Who can ask more questions?
Thursday Sep 28, 2023
Thursday Sep 28, 2023
Matt, Sarah, and Doug discuss the philosophy of science with UK professor Julia Bursten. They talk about the foundations of science, purpose of science, theories, truth, epistemology, misinformation, classification in science, philosophy of geology and much more!
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
Ep. 21: A Slick Conversation About Petroleum Geology
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
Matt, Sarah, and Doug discuss petroleum geology with KGS geologist Dave Harris. They talk about the basics of hydrocarbons, source rocks vs reservoir rocks, structural traps, oil and gas producing areas in Kentucky, unconventional reservoirs, KGS oil and gas data services, Dave’s retirement and much more!
Thursday Jul 27, 2023
Ep. 20: Landslides are not bringing us down
Thursday Jul 27, 2023
Thursday Jul 27, 2023
It's a game of musical chairs on this episode of the BBRP. KGS landslides expert Matt moves into the guest chair, while Doug and newcomer Rebekah co-host the episode. We discuss how Matt started researching landslides, the types and causes of landslides, what landslide research looks like at KGS and nationally, landslides related to the July 2022 eastern Kentucky floods, Matt's bad-fitting suits, crashing drones, and more.