Episode 90: Earth Day: Faults, Fractures and Our Resources

Technology Today

Southwest Research Institute

Technology

4.8 • 19 Ratings

🗓️ 27 April 2026

⏱️ 38 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

How do geological processes impact modern life? You can think of faults and fractures deep within the Earth’s crust as the planet’s “plumbing system,” carrying fluids, minerals, gas and oil to our cities and communities. Even rechargeable technology relies on access to these valuable natural resources. In recognition of Earth Day, we’re learning about the breaks, bends and forces that shift underground rock layers, making our access to resources possible. Listen now as SwRI Structural Geologist Dr. Adam Cawood discusses faults and fractures, how Earth’s “plumbing system” works and why a diamond mine discovery in the late 1800s inspired his career path.

Transcript

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0:00.0	Every April, Earth Day reminds us to learn about and protect our planet.
0:05.0	Today, we're examining how geological processes impact our lives and resources.
0:11.0	Where you live, your access to water, even the electronics that power your life,
0:16.0	are all impacted by processes deep in the Earth.
0:20.0	We're discussing how faults and fractures support
0:22.4	humanity and provide resources, plus the hunt for a metal in high demand. That's next on
0:28.7	this Earth Day episode of Technology Today.
0:35.2	We live with technology, science, engineering, and the results of innovative research every day.
0:41.2	Now, let's understand it better.
0:43.0	You're listening to the Technology Today podcast presented by Southwest Research Institute.
0:48.4	From deep sea to deep space, we develop solutions to benefit humankind.
0:53.2	Transcript and photos for this episode and all episodes
0:56.1	are available at podcast.swri.org. Share the podcast and hit that subscribe button on your
1:02.4	favorite podcast platform. Hello and welcome to technology today. I'm Lisa Benia. How do geological
1:09.7	processes impact our cities, communities, and homes?
1:13.7	The processes that form faults, fractures, and influence fluid flow in the Earth's crust,
1:19.7	also influence our modern way of life. Our guest today is SWRI structural geologist, Dr. Adam Kewood.
1:35.3	He's here to connect the dots for us and help us understand how geological processes control our access to resources. We'll also talk about the hunt for high demand lithium used in electronics and technology.
1:41.3	This Earth-centered conversation is great timing for Earth Day and Geologist
1:46.4	Day celebrated in April. So happy Earth Day and Geologists Day, and thank you for being here,
1:52.2	Adam. Thank you for having me. It's a pleasure to be here. So a lot to celebrate in April and a lot
1:57.7	to explore today as we understand how our cities, our technology, all connect
	...

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