Podcast, 18 mins
Neptunism: The ocean rocks
Did all rocks form in a primeval ocean? Proponents of Neptunism believed so, dismissing volcanic phenomena. A better understanding of earth's history proved them wrong.
Part of Good in Theory, New Uploads
23 Apr 2026 09:00
How do rocks form?
Neptunism is a theory that suggests all rocks formed in a primeval ocean through sedimentation. Proponents claimed this could explain why we find different types of rock in different layers of the earth. Volcanic phenomena were dismissed as being newer in earth's history and not relevant for understanding most rocks we can observe.
While intriguing, this theory did not stand the test of time as other types of rock formation were shown to be significant.
Credits
- Created and Produced by: Rita Neves (Research Associate at the University of Sheffield)
- Created and Produced by: Sofie Ried (PhD Student at the University of Sheffield)
- Intro/Outro Music: Andrew Glover