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What is it like to study rock glaciers high in the Andes? In this episode of What On Earth?!, we talk with Dr. Melanie Stammler about her research on rock glacier dynamics and permafrost landscapes in the Dry Andes of Argentina. She explains how scientists use field measurements, drones, and photogrammetry to track how these slow-moving landforms change over time, and what it’s really like to do fieldwork in remote, high-altitude environments. From logistics and harsh conditions to the excitement of collecting data in the mountains, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at real geomorphological research in action. As the first guest on the show we could not be happier that Melanie wanted to join. We hope to see much more of her in the future.

Do you want to find out more about Dr. Melanie Stammler and her research? Visit this link: https://www.geographie.uni-bonn.de/de/forschung/arbeitsgruppen/ag-schrott/team/melanie-stammler

Or follow her on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-stammler-809020a5/

If you want to see the photos Tika is describing in this episode, visit our IG page:

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In Part 3 of Episode 4 of What on Earth, we travel beyond the rocky worlds and venture into the outer Solar System - home of the giants: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

We begin with Jupiter, the largest planet in our Solar System. A world of swirling cloud bands, intense magnetic fields, and the iconic Great Red Spot, a storm that has been raging for centuries. We also explore its Galilean moons, from volcanic Io to ocean-bearing Europa, revealing that Jupiter is not just a planet, but an entire system of moons.

From there, we move to Saturn, the ringed giant. Famous for its breathtaking ring system, Saturn also hosts some of the most fascinating moons in the Solar System, including Enceladus, with its water plumes, and the strikingly two-toned Iapetus.

Then we tilt our perspective toward Uranus, the planet that rotates on its side. With its pale blue colour, faint rings, and dramatic seasonal extremes, Uranus challenges our understanding of planetary formation. We also take a closer look at Miranda and its enormous cliffs.

Finally, we reach Neptune, deep blue, distant, and dynamic. With the fastest winds in the Solar System and the mysterious Great Dark Spot, Neptune proves that even the outermost giant worlds are anything but quiet.

By the end of this series, you’ll be able to look up at the night sky and recognise our planetary neighbours with confidence, no longer distant mysteries, but familiar worlds you understand.

If you want to see the photos Tika is describing in this episode. Visit our IG page: https://www.instagram.com/whatonearth_podcast?igsh=Y3MwbjkyNjgwcjVy

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In Part 2 of Episode 4 of What on Earth, we leave the Sun behind and begin our journey through the Solar System. Starting with the rocky planets of the inner Solar System: Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.

Our first stop is Mercury, a small planet with a disproportionately large metal core, an ancient, heavily cratered surface, and chemistry that still challenges planetary formation models. From there, we move outward to Venus, Earth’s so-called sister planet, where vast volcanic landscapes and a runaway greenhouse effect reveal how dramatically planetary evolution can diverge even between similar-sized worlds.

Back home, we briefly touch on Earth and its unusually large Moon, active plate tectonics, magnetic field, and the unique presence of liquid water and life, features that make our planet stand out among the rocky worlds.

Finally, we arrive at Mars: a planet of extremes. From the massive canyon system of Valles Marineris and the towering Olympus Mons to its tiny moons Phobos and Deimos, Mars tells a story of a thinning atmosphere, and ancient river systems. We also discuss recent discoveries that hint at possible biosignatures, not proof of life, but some of the most intriguing clues yet.