This week we talk about GPR or ground penetrating radar as Shannon considers buying one and asks what to look for.

• Do trees glow before lightning strikes?
• McFarland, P. J., et al. "Corona discharges glow on trees under thunderstorms." Geophysical Research Letters 53.4 (2026): e2025GL119591.

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John Leeman

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Shannon Dulin

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This week we talk about how you should approach an outcrop in the field for the first time. What do you look for? What kind of notes do you take? This and more field camp tips plus a discussion about the rheology of pasta sauce.

• Busiello, Daniel Maria, Vincenzo Maria Schimmenti, and Ivan Di Terlizzi. "Physical properties of a perfect pasta sauce." Physics Today 2026 (2026).

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• Support us on Patreon!
• www.dontpanicgeocast.com
• @dontpanicgeo
• dontpanicgeocast@gmail.com

John Leeman

• www.johnrleeman.com
• @geo_leeman

Shannon Dulin

• @ShannonDulin

This week we help a listener identify their bizarre fossil - and it's a trace fossil! Learn all about it and find out if you'd remember more if we were funnier!

• Trace Fossil Dictionary
• Shannon’s Favorite Trackway
• Asterosoma

• Would you remember more about science if your teachers presented it in a funny way?
• Frank, Alexandra L., et al. "Wit meets wisdom: the relationship between satire and anthropomorphic humor on scientists' likability and legitimacy." Journal of Science Communication 24.1 (2025): A04.