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

Monday Jun 03, 2024
Ep. 30: Critical minerals are so hot right now
Monday Jun 03, 2024
Monday Jun 03, 2024
Matt, Sarah, and Doug sit down with KGS carbonate and mineral geologist Gina Lukoczki about carbonate petrology, critical minerals, rare earth elements (REEs), tools to assess REEs, the KY fluorspar district, rotten dikes, renewed interest in KGS core, the KGS Mineral Resources Information Map, and much more!

Friday Apr 26, 2024
Ep. 29: Unstable Ground: Exploring Engineering Geology
Friday Apr 26, 2024
Friday Apr 26, 2024
Matt, Sarah, and Doug discuss all things engineering geology with UK Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences professor Sarah Johnson. They talk about engineering geology expertise, site investigations, geology-engineer jokes, terminology for geologists and engineers, engineering geology training, landslides, and the motivation for more applied geology.

Monday Mar 25, 2024
Ep. 28: Rise and Brine
Monday Mar 25, 2024
Monday Mar 25, 2024
Matt, Sarah, and Doug talk with KGS geologist Marty Parris about hydrocarbon reservoir geochemistry, water and rock interactions, brines, carbon storage, Kentucky’s orphaned oil and gas wells and much more!

Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
Ep. 27: Ask Us Anything: Volume II
Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
Matt, Sarah, and Doug answer questions submitted from listeners, members of the general public, and attendees at the KGS Open House. The trio discusses the Findlay Arch, Kyrock, lack of dinosaur bones in Kentucky, oldest specimen in the KGS lobby, quicksand, world water total, cool places to hike, and more!

Wednesday Jan 31, 2024
Ep. 26: Between a Rock and A Hard Cover: Our Favorite Geology Books
Wednesday Jan 31, 2024
Wednesday Jan 31, 2024
Matt, Sarah, and Doug talk about their favorite geology books! Don’t fear, these aren’t the hard-core, in-depth science text books you might think. You will be surprised at what is discussed and hopefully enjoy their take on books that connect to careers, sharing ideas, and a general passion for earth science.