The podcast explores the nostalgic connection between fresh asphalt and school days, the different names and forms of asphalt, the La Brea tar pits and the diversity of organisms, the impact of asphalt roads on pollution, and the environmental impact of asphalt.
Asphalt has been used by ancient civilizations for waterproofing and construction purposes.
Asphalt roads can release significant amounts of pollution, but advancements like warm mix asphalt help reduce pollution.
Deep dives
Humans have been using asphalt for massive public works projects for thousands of years
Asphalt has been used by ancient cultures for various purposes, such as waterproofing canoes and sealing containers of water. Ancient civilizations like those in the Indus River Valley and ancient Egypt used asphalt in the construction of structures, including the Great Bath in Mohenjo-Daro and roads in Egypt. Asphalt has a long history of being utilized in public works projects for waterproofing, binding, and sealing.
Asphalt pavement is barely a solid
Asphalt pavement is viscoelastic, meaning it can easily melt or become gooey when exposed to high temperatures. This property can cause asphalt roads to become unstable and can even lead to vehicles sinking into the pavement. The temperature of the asphalt can reach levels hot enough to release harmful pollutants into the air, potentially contributing to air pollution. However, there have been advancements in using warm mix asphalt, which reduces pollution during the construction phase.
Deep sea asphalt volcanoes support thriving marine ecosystems
Deep under the ocean, there are asphalt volcanoes that release raw asphalt or bitumen. These volcanoes create an entire marine ecosystem where certain organisms thrive by consuming the gases emitted from the asphalt. The microorganisms that feed on these gases support an entire food chain of sea creatures, including tube worms, corals, clams, and fish, making these deep-sea asphalt volcanoes unique and remarkable ecosystems.
Some asphalt roads may pollute more than the cars that drive on them
Research has shown that asphalt roads, especially in hot regions like Southern California, can release significant amounts of pollution into the air. When asphalt pavement gets overheated, it can emit large quantities of harmful compounds. In some cases, the pollution released from paving roads may outpace the pollution generated by the vehicles themselves. However, advancements, such as using warm mix asphalt, have helped reduce pollution during road construction.