

Wrinkled Time: The Persistence of Past Worlds on Earth – Marcia Bjornerud
20 snips Nov 12, 2024
Marcia Bjornerud, an author and geologist, captivates listeners with tales from Earth’s deep past. She discusses how rocks serve as archives of evolutionary stories, highlighting the contrast between ephemeral oceanic crust and enduring continental formations. Bjornerud critiques the Newtonian lens in science, advocating for a Darwinian perspective that embraces complexity. She warns about the dangers of simplistic views on climate change and emphasizes the need for 'deep timefulness' to connect with our planet's rich history and inspire sustainable practices.
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Earth's Remarkable Archive
- Earth's crust holds a unique, accessible record of its history, unlike other planets.
- This 'rock record' compresses billions of years of events into the present-day continents.
Rocks as Verbs
- Having access to Earth's nearly complete history is unusual among planets.
- Rocks should be viewed as verbs, signifying ongoing planetary processes, not static nouns.
The Paradox of Preservation
- Earth’s dynamic processes both create and destroy rocks, creating a paradox for preserving history.
- Venus, for example, seems to have erased its early history with volcanic activity.