Stuff You Should Know

Plate Tectonics Are What Makes Earth Inhabitable

9 snips
Nov 28, 2023
Discover the fascinating journey of plate tectonics, from ancient myths to modern science. Dive into the historical figures who reshaped our understanding of continental drift, and explore the eerie intersections of literature and geology with the tale of Doggerland. Learn how tectonic movements not only shape our landscapes but also sustain life on Earth. With humor and insight, the discussion reveals the planet's geological past and considers the future of supercontinents, all while touching on quirky topics like pet nutrition!
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Blavatsky's Lemuria

  • Madame Blavatsky, a Russian occultist, promoted Lemuria, a lost continent.
  • She claimed it housed one of the seven root races of humanity, including hermaphroditic egg-laying giants.
ANECDOTE

Sclater's Lemuria

  • Philip Sclater theorized Lemuria, a lost continent and land bridge, to explain Madagascar's lemur population.
  • He wondered why lemurs were abundant in Madagascar but scarce in nearby Africa and India.
ANECDOTE

Doggerland Discovery

  • Doggerland, a landmass connecting the UK and Europe, was discovered.
  • A fisherman found a prehistoric harpoon point in peat 25 miles offshore, sparking further exploration.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app