Episode 21

21 - The Layers of Landscape

21 - The Layers of Landscape

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of landscapes and the hidden layers beneath them. From the formation of the Great Lakes to the impact of erosion and human activity, we uncover the geological and historical stories that shape our natural environment.

Formation of the Great Lakes: Discover how ancient volcanic activity and glacial movements created the deep basins of Lake Superior and other Great Lakes. Learn about the unique geological processes that have shaped these iconic bodies of water over millennia.

Understanding Drumlins: Explore the formation of drumlins, those distinctive elongated hills found in glacial regions. Understand how glaciers carve out these features, leaving behind fascinating patterns on the land.

Reading Geological Layers: Gain insights into how rock layers reveal Earth’s history. Examples from the Grand Canyon and coastal regions like Maine illustrate how these layers contain fossils and other clues to past life and geological events.

Soil Composition and Organic Material: Learn about soil’s complex composition, including mineral particles, organic matter, and living organisms. Discover how decomposed organic material enriches soil and supports plant life, making it vital for ecosystems and agriculture.

Impact of Water and Erosion: Understand how water and erosion shape landscapes over time. Rivers carve out valleys, glaciers form lakes, and even small streams erode soil and rock, revealing the dynamic nature of the Earth’s surface.

Human Influence on Landscapes: Explore how human activities, such as farming, construction, and the introduction of non-native species like earthworms, impact the land. Recognize the importance of sustainable practices in preserving our natural environment.

Takeaways:
-Appreciate the geological forces that shape our landscapes, understanding the processes that have formed the land over millions of years.
-Learn to read the land by studying topographical maps and observing natural features, uncovering the hidden stories beneath the surface.

https://buzzblossomandsqueak.com/?p=215


https://www.amazon.com/How-Read-Landscape-ROBERT-YARHAM/dp/1408123622


https://www.amazon.com/How-Read-Landscape-Patrick-Whitefield/dp/1856231852/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&sr=1-4

Jill’s Links


Notion Affiliate - https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsJill

Notion AI Affiliate -https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsAI


Buy Me Coffee if you like my podcasts! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod

Buzz Blossom and Squeak Website https://buzzblossomandsqueak.com/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/schmern

Blog Headquarters at https://abetterlifeinsmallsteps.com/

Email the podcast at mailto: jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

About the Podcast

Show artwork for Buzz Blossom & Squeak
Buzz Blossom & Squeak
Become a neighbhorhood naturalist right outside your front door!

Listen for free

About your host

Profile picture for Jill McKinley

Jill McKinley

I’m Jill from the Northwoods. Professionally, I work in Health IT, where I untangle complex systems and help people use technology more effectively. But at heart, I’m a curious lifelong learner—always exploring how things work, why people grow the way they do, and how even the smallest steps can spark real transformation. That curiosity fuels everything I do, from problem-solving at work to sharing insights through my creative projects.

My journey wasn’t always easy. Growing up, I faced a rough childhood, and books became my lifeline. They introduced me to voices of ancient wisdom, modern psychology, and the natural world around me. Those pages taught me resilience, gave me perspective, and helped me see that wisdom is everywhere—waiting to be noticed, gathered, and shared.