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70: The Core of the Earth & Planned Obsolescence

61 snips
Sep 26, 2024
Dive into the mysteries of Earth's core, where bizarre minerals like bridgmanite reign and the 'iron catastrophe' shaped its structure. Discover the mind-blowing dynamics of our planet's internal heat and how it generates the magnetic field. Then, shift gears to planned obsolescence, tracing its roots back to the humble bicycle. Explore how manufacturers design products to fail and the environmental fallout from consumer culture. Enjoy whimsical analogies and laughter as these complex topics are unraveled with charm!
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INSIGHT

Earth's Layers: Two Perspectives

  • The Earth's layers can be categorized by chemical composition (crust, mantle, core) or behavior (lithosphere, asthenosphere, etc.).
  • These classifications reflect different perspectives on Earth's structure.
INSIGHT

Thin Crust

  • Earth's crust, the only layer where life exists, makes up a tiny 1% of the planet's thickness.
  • Tom compares it to the zest of a lemon, emphasizing its thinness relative to the entire Earth.
ANECDOTE

Bridgmanite: The Hidden Abundance

  • Bridgmanite, found in Earth's mantle, is the most abundant mineral on the planet, comprising 38% of its volume.
  • Despite this, it's relatively unknown, highlighting the hidden wonders within Earth.
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