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PODCAST · science

Backyard Geology

Like it or not, geology is everywhere. Whether it be deep on the ocean floor, high in the Andes, or in your backyard. As field geologists, we often pine for expeditions in remote places and foreign countries. But there is often amazing geology right in our backyards. Don’t let the Kentucky Bluegrass and your mother’s geraniums fool you. There is exciting geology even in your backyard. In this podcast we explore the amazing discoveries and geologic events that happened right in someone’s backyard.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Apr 13, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. BYG Canada ep. 9 – Chronostratigraphy

    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…

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  2. BYG Canada ep. 8 – Kelowna Bonus Episode with Dr. Kyle Larson

    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...

  3. BYG Canada ep. 8 – Kelowna, BC: Home on the (Coast) Range

    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....

  4. BYG Canada ep. 7 – Whitehorse Bonus Episode with Sydney Van Loon

    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 the...

  5. BYG Canada ep. 7 – Whitehorse, Yukon: Trails, Trams, and Dams

    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…

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  6. BYG Canada ep. 6 – Drumheller Bonus Episode with Dr Jon Noad

    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...

  7. BYG Canada ep. 6 – Drumheller, Alberta: Cretaceous Park

    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,...

  8. BYG Canada ep. 5 – Diavik, Northwest Territories: Classy Hitchhikers

    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…

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  9. BYG Canada ep. 4 – Regina Bonus Episode with Fiona Darbyshire

    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....

  10. BYG Canada ep. 4 – Regina, Saskatchewan: The Big Puzzle

    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...

  11. BYG Canada ep. 3 – Sudbury Bonus Episode with Catherine Farrow

    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…

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  12. BYG Canada ep. 3 – Sudbury, Ontario: A Geologic Scar

    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...

  13. BYG Canada ep. 2 – Hamilton, Ontario: “The Mountain”

    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...

  14. BYG Canada ep. 1 – St. John’s Bonus Episode with Noelle Lin

    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...

  15. BYG Canada ep. 1 – St. John’s, Newfoundland: Neat fossils? You’re not mistaken!

    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...

  16. Backyard Geology ep.4 – Landslides

    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...

  17. Backyard Geology ep.3 – Manhattan

    Episode summary introduction:​ ​In this episode of Backyard Geology, Chris explores the geologic history of Manhattan, New York. He will take you through the history of the city, from the wealth distribution and the influence of the elite, the decisions behind Central Park, to the geology...

  18. Backyard Geology ep.2 – Gold

    So you wanna find gold in your backyard? Listen to find out how!

  19. Backyard Geology ep.1 – Mammoths

    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...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Like it or not, geology is everywhere. Whether it be deep on the ocean floor, high in the Andes, or in your backyard. As field geologists, we often pine for expeditions in remote places and foreign countries. But there is often amazing geology right in our backyards. Don’t let the Kentucky Bluegrass and your mother’s geraniums fool you. There is exciting geology even in your backyard. In this podcast we explore the amazing discoveries and geologic events that happened right in someone’s backyard.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Backyard Geology have?

Backyard Geology currently has 32 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Backyard Geology about?

Like it or not, geology is everywhere. Whether it be deep on the ocean floor, high in the Andes, or in your backyard. As field geologists, we often pine for expeditions in remote places and foreign countries. But there is often amazing geology right in our backyards. Don’t let the Kentucky...

How often does Backyard Geology release new episodes?

Backyard Geology has 32 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Backyard Geology?

You can listen to Backyard Geology on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
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