GEOLOG: 4.6 BILLION YEARS OF EARTH HISTORY, ONE MINUTE AT A TIME

GeoLog is a web-based series of one-minute audio programs designed for a lay audience covering topics related to Earth System history. GeoLog fills a gap in existing science/nature radio programming in addressing the vast fourth dimension--geological time--over which physical and biological processes have acted to effect environmental change. The ultimate objective of GeoLog is to disseminate current research on Earth-historical topics in a "user-friendly" format, to contribute to a scientifically literate public. The one-minute format is desirable for at least two reasons: it requires that the science content be condensed to its essence in clear and concise language; and a one-minute program is more likely to be picked up by radio stations whose program schedules are already full. In June, 2009, GeoLog was picked up by public radio station WPRR, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and is run as a PSA (public service announcement), several times during the day. WPRR is a member of the Pacifica program distribution service (www.audioport.org), and through this venue GeoLog is available for downloading to other member stations.

NSF survey data indicate that audio-only programs are limited in their potential effectiveness, and that the Internet has become the main place to get information about specific topics. Listeners of GeoLog are referred to the companion website, www.geolog.msu.edu where they may click on links to primary resources. Offering GeoLog audio programs through the web site increases the interaction between the content and the user, makes the programs available to a world-wide audience, and broadens its reach to include both visual and auditory learners.