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 CoursesListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about The Origin and Evolution of Earth
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- AB
- 07-04-16
Compelling
Prof. Haven is a brilliant communicator. The truth is that before listening to these lectures I had imagined the subject to be boring. I was persuaded by a friend to try a lecture or two. I am so glad that I did. Haven takes you on a journey from the beginning of the universe to the present and even into a speculative future. The key thesis that life and the mineral world have evolved and co-evolved is brilliantly communicated. I enjoyed every lecture.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- whatisiswhat
- 30-11-18
Big Geology
This is an extremely informative summary of the state of knowledge about the formation and evolution of the types of minerals found on Earth and farther afield.
Prof Hazen gives an enthusiastic, engaging account of an absolutely enormous body of knowledge that starts with stellar lifecycles and evolution and moves through the formation of the solar system with a brief introduction to each of the planets and culminates with a long look at the Earth's geological history including the origin of life and its interactions with non-living matter to create new mineral species.
This is a vast topic and somewhat dry in places but the delivery and level of detail are such that it is always fascinating and compelling. A definite high point for the Great Courses in my opinion.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Tim T.
- 07-02-23
Excellent
Fascinating content, brilliantly delivered. Ties different bodies of knowledge together nicely. (4 more words required.)
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- Bilberry
- 30-01-19
Good topic well delivered
There is a lot of technical detail here, which if you have tiome to concentrate on it is really interesting. I particully liked the story of the collaboration with the scientist during the algae matts dating for example. But most of the time the science parts went over my head. But I dont blame the lecturer i blame myself for not listening closely enough, and i will listen again and get more out of it next time.
My favourite parts are the descriptions of what it would have been like and what it would have looked like, such the descriptions of the meteroits crashing and sprewing lava in the hadean age, or the acid rain in the archean for example.
At first i thought the lectuerer tone was too emotional, but eventually i grew to like and enjoy it.
Overall a great introduction. Really appreciate TTC putting these on audible.
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- Anonymous User
- 23-05-22
Stupendous Narration and Story
It was memorable and interesting for the most part although the large focus on minerology and minimal glossing over of the biology felt a bit underwhelming and left me incompletely satisfied. Amazing performance overall
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- Adam Hollingsworth
- 24-11-22
excellent
absolute one of the best audiobooks of listened to so far will definitely really listen to that in the future
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- P.M.Humphrey
- 24-09-17
The bed rock of our existence?
Well worth a listen, science disciplines coming together to explain the history of our world.
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- MR Michael Addinall
- 22-03-17
Informative and engaging.
A very interesting and technical subject, made to seem simple by concise and sinsinct delivery.
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- will
- 25-01-18
Raw knowledge
This book gives an entirely new perspective on the cycles of nature and the universe, in chronological order it explains in detail the evolution of earth the universe its future.
Mostly focusing on minerals and how they are intrinsically linked with life on Earth the lecturer is a clear expert in his field and is concise in the delivery of his content
There is no dislike I have to this audible book other than it wasn’t long enough.
It has sparked many a debate between my friend and I. Like what came first the virus or the bacterium and many more.
And it is books like the great courses and other intellectual stimulation listens that I pay for audible
Thank you
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- Anonymous User
- 26-06-19
Great read!
What a fanatic way to understand the present, by looking into the past. Fantastic narrator to boot!
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