PCPG's A Poorly Sorted but Well Rounded Series

Western Pennsylvania is known for many interesting geologic features, including those of glacial origins. Let’s explore the unusual features of two of Pennsylvania’s beautiful parks. Though very close to each other, Moraine State Park and McConnell’s Mill offer related oddly contrasting geologic wonders.

Anyone who has done geologic work in the Keystone State might wonder how things got so complicated. Pennsylvania’s geologic history is long and complex. Join us to explore how that complexity came about.

We don’t normally think about the relationship between the core of the Earth and the ability of the planet to support life. But it turns out that complex life on Earth would be impossible without a spinning iron-rich core producing the magnetosphere that shields us from the deadly solar wind. Let’s take a look upward and downward and examine the center of the Earth as well as its far-flung outer boundary.

Glaciers have been one of the most significant forces that have sculpted Pennsylvania in the last 50,000 years. Without the Pleistocene glaciations, the world would look very different and be a very different place to live. Let’s explore what glaciers are, how they form and why they are so important. 

The White Clay Creek Park and Preserve is found in a unique setting both historically and geologically. While most of Pennsylvania is underlain by sedimentary rocks, the White Clay is within the Piedmont just above the coastal plain, and area composed almost entirely of high-grade metamorphic rocks. Come and explore the unique geology of this area.

Costa Rica is known for its mountains, rainforests, biodiversity, and beaches, but none of that would exist without the unique geologic history of this country. This history captured the curiosity of author Russ Losco and he set out on an adventure to unlock it. Join us as we talk with Russ about his book and tour Costa Rica through the eyes of a geologist.

Geoheritage sites are features of geology, both large and small-scale that are fundamentally important in understanding and appreciating the Earth and her origins. Join us as we talk with Dr. Adolfo Quesada-Roman, an expert from the University of Costa Rica, about the geoheritage here in the USA and around the world.

In this episode, Mike Maddigan, Program Manager of the Land Recycling Program at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, sits with PCPG to provide answers to questions received during his January 2022 presentation titled, Act 2 Overview.  If you missed the live webinar, it is available on the PCPG website.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to hike the Appalachian Trail and see it through the eyes of a geoscientist?  So did Craig Eckert, so he did it.  Join us for an interview with Craig and hear a little about his new book, Rocks, Roots and Rattlesnakes.

Models of education are constantly evolving to meet the needs of a face-paced and ever-changing world. Join us for this episode of the PCPG podcast as we meet with Dr. Jeffrey Dick of Youngstown State University and explore their innovative approach to educating the next generation of geologists.