The Origin and Evolution of Earth
From the Big Bang to the Future of Human Existence
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The Origin and Evolution of Earth
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Narrated by:
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Robert M. Hazen
About this listen
This course chronicles the history of Earth and life on Earth from the point of view of the minerals that made it all happen. A major theme is how minerals and life coevolved, leading to the unprecedented mineral diversity on our world compared to the other planets in the solar system. Professor Hazen tells this epic story in 48 action-packed lectures that take you from the big bang to the formation of the solar system to the major milestones that marked the evolution of Earth and life. He also looks ahead at what to expect millions to billions of years in the future.
It's easy to think that the green Earth dominated by life that we experience today is just as it's always been. But Professor Hazen introduces you to a succession of starkly different Earths, starting with the black, basalt-covered planet of 4.5 billion years ago, and progressing through blue, gray, red, and white phases as Earth, minerals, and life developed in concert.
Major episodes covered in these lectures include the formation of the moon from the collision of a Mars-sized body with the early Earth; the Great Oxidation Event, which was sparked by the earliest photosynthetic life and is responsible for Earth's iron and other important mineral deposits; the formation of the first continents; the start of plate tectonics more than 3 billion years ago; the repeating cycles of supercontinent formation; the Cambrian explosion of life, resulting in the first animal shells, bones, and teeth; the great episodes of mass extinction, including the dinosaurs; and the rise of humans - along with much else.
Most impressively, Professor Hazen is a pioneer in the study of mineral evolution, which is a unique lens through which to view the development of Earth. He tells the story with authority and with a rare gift for making you see the world in a new, intriguing way.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
©2013 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2013 The Great CoursesWhat listeners say about The Origin and Evolution of Earth
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anand Manu
- 18-12-2018
A great deep dive into the history of our planet
This was an amazing listen. Prof. Hazen brings so much personal knowledge and insight it is a rare treat to the world of earth science. Highly recommended.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Annalie
- 17-02-2019
History of earth from mineralogy perspective
These lectures are a gripping account of the origin and evolusion of earth and life. The lecturer comes over as an expert in his field, with a passion for Mineralogy. However, I found these lectures hard going, despite my Science background. I got the idea that he made use of visual aids during his lectures, which I thought were essential to the optimum comprehension of his lectures. The PDF notes help with that to a certain extent. I ordered his hard copy book, The Story of Earth, to be able to study the subject with more visual aids.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Margaret
- 22-09-2016
Absolutely Amazing Lecture
I am not nor ever will be a Geologist but even with the technical details provided this lecture is so brilliantly put together that a layman can gain a deep insight into the origin of our planet and life itself.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- nick
- 21-07-2017
Just Superb
I now have a much money re complete understanding of the life cycle of the planet.
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- Tim Lehmann
- 12-10-2017
Very thorough and interesting.
Professor Hazen is very passionate and a great communicator. This massive subject is broken down into digestible bites and is a great listen.
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- desleighjane
- 26-10-2019
Very worthwhile!
I was fascinated from the first lecture with the supporting evidence and factual detail provided.
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- hayden
- 01-05-2015
Awesome.
Simplistic, informative and a great around listen for anybody.from the student to the general listener
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- Martin
- 21-07-2019
sensational
Geology meets mineralogy meets biology.
This book was/is fascinating.
I will be listening to it again, Robert Hazen is brilliant at explaining what he is lecturing.
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