A thick plateau of hard, compacted sediments helped spread the rupture from tens of kilometers below to just a few kilometers below, unleashing larger tsunami waves. The study suggests locations with large thicknesses of sediments may promote more significant tsunamis during great earthquakes.
Scientists have created the first high-resolution topographic map of the Aurora Subglacial Basin, revealing vast channels cut through mountain ranges by ancient glaciers. The data will help improve computer simulations of past and future Antarctic ice sheet behavior.
A new study published in Nature suggests Mars developed rapidly into a small planet due to its rapid formation. Scientists used the radioactive decay of hafnium to tungsten in meteorites as a chronometer and found that Mars likely didn't collide with other embryos to form an Earth-like planet.
The Stevens Institute of Technology's Center for Science Writings awarded the 2010 book Storms of My Grandchildren by Dr. James Hansen the Green Book Award, recognizing its compelling call to action on global climate change. The award honors books that address environmental issues in a compelling way.
The study reveals the spatial compactness of the event, with a 250-kilometer-long fault experiencing significant slip, and high- and low-frequency seismic waves coming from different areas of the fault. This information will help scientists improve infrastructure and prevent loss of life through better application of seismological data.
A new analysis of NASA's Galileo data confirms the existence of a molten magma layer on Jupiter's moon Io, explaining its intense volcanic activity and shedding light on the Earth and moon's formation. The 'ocean' of magma is estimated to be 30 miles thick and features blistering temperatures of over 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Researchers from the University of Hawaii at Manoa used GPS data to find that a section of the eastern Andes is locked in place, allowing stress to build up and potentially leading to large earthquakes. The study suggests that earthquakes with magnitudes up to 8.9 are possible in the region.
A team of researchers deployed an observatory system to study microbial life in the ocean crust, revealing a large reservoir of seawater that supports a dynamic ecosystem. The study provides insights into hydrogeology, geochemistry, and microbiology, with potential applications for understanding earthquakes and carbon storage.
Researchers used GPS satellite systems to measure tide-induced displacements and estimate density and elastic moduli, revealing an abnormal low-density asthenosphere under the western United States and eastern Pacific Ocean. The study provides new directions for understanding Earth's chemical and mechanical dynamics.
Sophie Warny, LSU assistant professor of palynology, receives $582,000 NSF CAREER Award to study Antarctic warm periods. The grant will support high-resolution paleo-environmental studies and educational outreach.
The new study creates a detailed image of the Yellowstone plume's electrical conductivity, showing it dips more gently and extends farther east-west. The geoelectric image suggests the plume may be enveloped by a broader sheath of partly molten rock and liquids.
Scientists have discovered ancient mollusk fossils that may indicate how warm the planet will become if carbon dioxide levels are stabilized at current values. The findings suggest summertime Arctic temperatures could increase by 2-5 degrees Fahrenheit, leading to a permanent ice cap melting and further heating the planet.
Fossil teeth analysis reveals different herbivore families responded differently to the emergence of C4 warm-season grasses in East Africa. The shift occurred at varying rates and times, with some animals adapting to their new diet before grasslands spread rapidly.
A new tool, developed by Prof. Shmuel Marco, can analyze wave patterns in sediment to understand past earthquake intensity. The 'fossil seismograph' helps geophysicists predict future earthquakes in areas with bodies of water.
Two studies published in Lithosphere suggest the existence of a pre-3.3 billion year old continent in the East Indian Shield, implying a possible original supercontinent. Additionally, measurements of SKS splitting in South America indicate that asthenospheric flow plays a significant role in shaping the upper mantle's anisotropy.
Researchers at Yale University and the University of British Columbia describe a model explaining volcanic warning tremors that may help forecast deadly eruptions. The 'magma wagging' theory suggests similar frequencies in tremors across different volcanoes due to shared interaction factors.
A new multi-institutional center will develop tools to help governments, businesses, and individuals make informed decisions on climate and energy policies. The Center will utilize a new modeling framework, CIM-EARTH, to provide insights to policymakers and promote open science.
University of Miami doctoral student David Weinstein has received the 2010 Zale Parry Scholarship from the Academy of Underwater Arts and Sciences. The scholarship recognizes his research on mesophotic reef bioerosion in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a key area of study in marine conservation.
Scientists have developed a new method to monitor groundwater aquifers using satellite data, allowing for more accurate and cost-effective management of these vital resources. By analyzing satellite measurements over time, researchers can infer the amount of water in an aquifer, providing valuable insights for hydrologists and regulato...
Tim Dixon received the 2010 George P. Woollard Award for his groundbreaking research in space geodesy, which has paved the way for studying earthquake hazard, volcanic processes, and climate change. His work has also contributed to understanding subsidence in Mexico City and the melting of the Greenland ice cap.
Research from Tel Aviv University reveals that cloud seeding with materials like silver iodide and frozen carbon dioxide does not produce rain. Instead, changes in weather patterns are responsible for increased rainfall.
A team of geophysicists led by Harry Green at UC Riverside presents evidence contradicting the widely-held view that large amounts of water are carried to the deep mantle in subducting slabs. The study suggests that these slabs are essentially dry, with no pathway for significant amounts of water to enter the lower mantle.
Research finds that tsunamis can be triggered by moderate earthquakes on strike-slip faults, posing a significant threat to coastal cities. In Haiti's case, three-quarters of tsunamis are generated by submarine landslides, unlike the previously estimated 3% globally.
Researchers at SMU's Geothermal Laboratory estimate that West Virginia's geothermal generation potential has increased to 18,890 megawatts, a 75% increase over previous estimates. This discovery could provide a new source of green energy in coal country.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University found dew essential for plant growth in semi-arid zones like the Eastern Mediterranean. Dew provides moisture to plant leaves, enabling photosynthesis and growth during early morning hours.
Physicists at NIST have measured time dilation effects on two aluminum atomic clocks, demonstrating that time passes faster at higher elevations and slower when moving faster. The clocks' extreme precision reveals subtle differences in timekeeping, potentially leading to practical applications in geophysics.
Two new species of horned dinosaurs, Utahceratops and Kosmoceratops, have been discovered in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southern Utah. The dinosaurs possess unique horn structures, with short eye horns projecting strongly to the side, and one horn over the nose, making them the most ornate-headed dinosaurs known.
Two LSU research groups investigate the impact of oil and dispersants on the Louisiana salt marsh ecosystem and genetic structure of wildlife populations. The studies aim to understand short- and long-term effects of chemicals on natural systems.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have verified a theory that asteroid pairs are formed when small gravel-sized rocks separate from a larger asteroid through centrifugal force. The study, published in Nature, reveals that these 'separated asteroids' share the same orbit and demonstrate the existence of paired asteroid relationships.
Roger Angel will receive the Kavli Prize for his pioneering work on telescope design, which has allowed astronomers to observe distant and ancient objects. His innovative approach has resulted in lightweight and rigid mirrors that can be used in larger telescopes, enabling more compact and cost-effective designs.
Researchers developed new algorithms to simulate global mantle flow, plate tectonics, and individual fault zones, achieving a resolution of about one kilometer near the plate boundaries. The model accurately predicted plate movements, including anomalous rapid motion of microplates in the western Pacific.
A magnitude-8.1 earthquake triggered two major quakes of magnitude 7.8 within two minutes, revealing a unprecedented pattern in the Samoa-Tonga region. The study suggests that normal fault earthquakes can trigger subduction zone quakes, affecting tsunami hazard calculations globally.
Researchers are collecting high-tech sensing data from various sources to create a reliable early-warning system for train operators. The goal is to predict natural disasters and possible terror attacks on rail lines.
A 13-member panel led by NJIT professor Louis J. Lanzerotti is reviewing electronic systems across the auto industry to identify possible causes of unintended acceleration in vehicles. The study, which began June 30 and July 1, 2010, aims to provide insights into the recall of over eight million Toyotas due to sudden acceleration.
Associate Professor Huiming Bao has published research in Nature about massive volcanic eruptions and their atmospheric consequences. The study used computer models and geological data to simulate the sulfur gas oxidation chemistry and atmospheric conditions of North America long before human activities impacted air quality.
Researchers use radar and camera data to reconstruct the formation of two enigmatic features in Mars' northern ice cap: a massive canyon and spiral troughs. Wind erosion is found to be the primary force shaping these complex structures, revealing a detailed climate history.
Researchers have reconstructed the formation of two curious features in Mars' northern ice cap, including Chasma Boreale and spiral troughs, revealing that wind shapes polar ice caps over millions of years. The study provides new evidence of climate change on Mars and vindicates an early explanation for the spiral troughs.
This interdisciplinary study explores the role of the Bering Glacier system in the northeast Pacific Ocean and global sea level. The book includes contributions from researchers on various disciplines, including glaciology, geology, and ecology.
Scientists from the University of Miami found that Greenland's ice is melting rapidly, causing the land underneath to rise by nearly one inch per year. The study suggests that if current trends continue, this acceleration could lead to a significant increase in global sea level rise.
Paleontologists discovered over 1,500 exceptionally preserved soft-bodied fossils from the Ordovician period, expanding our understanding of sea creatures and ecosystems. The finds upend a long-held belief that Burgess Shale-type faunas disappeared at the end of the Middle Cambrian epoch.
A team of scientists discovered that seismic slip on the Central Peru Megathrust is caused by a combination of earthquakes and non-seismic creep. This finding indicates that movement along this subduction zone is more complex than previously thought.
Two hundred fifty-five National Academy of Sciences members, including Nobel Prize laureates, support the rigor and objectivity of climate science in a joint statement. The signers confirm fundamental conclusions about climate change based on thousands of scientists' work worldwide.
A new study by Tel Aviv University researchers reveals that pollution can significantly alter thunderstorm intensity, leading to changes in local weather patterns and rainfall. The study used lightning patterns as a quantitative measure of the impact of air pollution on cloud development over large areas.
The SPALINET lidar network aims to improve aerosol measurement quality in the Iberian Peninsula and Canary Islands. By combining satellite and ground-based data, researchers can better understand aerosol transport and impact on global radiation balance.
Researchers are working together to understand intraplate earthquakes in an effort to minimize the loss of life and property. By deploying seismic recorders and analyzing data from two large experiments, the team aims to advance knowledge of earthquake causes and hazards.
Scientists found that ancient rocks from Greenland show evidence of a vast global ocean keeping water wet despite low solar energy. The team proposes that oceans absorb more sunlight due to their darker color and cloud formation, eliminating the need for high greenhouse gas levels.
A new species of plant-eating dinosaur, Seitaad ruessi, has been discovered in the Navajo Sandstone of Utah's red rocks. The dinosaur lived around 185 million years ago during the Early Jurassic Period and was part of a group known as sauropodomorphs, which includes giant sauropods with long necks and tails.
A new model, MORVEL, offers a marked improvement on previous work by estimating the relative movements of interlocking tectonic plates. The study provides precise rates of plate spreading along mid-ocean ridges and helps researchers understand surface processes like mountain-building and subsurface processes like mantle convection.
Space physicists from the University of Leicester have identified a significant contributor to Mars' atmospheric escape: pressure from solar wind pulses. The team found that these pulses can drive away particles from Mars' atmosphere, causing a loss of about one third of the material lost into space.
Researchers found a proto-dinosaur called Asilisaurus kongwe, which lived about 243 million years ago and shared characteristics with dinosaurs. The discovery sheds light on the diversification of relatives of crocodilians and dinosaurs, suggesting rapid evolution and greater dietary flexibility.
A research team has revised estimates of glacier melt in Alaska, finding that glaciers contribute about one-third less to sea-level rise than previously estimated. The new calculations put the rate of melting at around .0047 inches per year, down from the original estimate of .0067 inches.
Scientists are conducting three expeditions to Haiti to assess the potential threat of more large earthquakes and understand which segments of the fault ruptured during the Jan. 12 quake. The expeditions aim to collect valuable geologic evidence and provide insights to prepare communities for future hazards.
A new special issue of Oceanography presents groundbreaking research on seamounts, highlighting the importance of these underwater mountains for marine life and global ocean health. The study reveals devastating impacts from overfishing and habitat destruction, emphasizing the need for sustainable management practices.
A magnetic study of the Colima volcanic complex in Mexico reveals that faults exhibit distinct magnetic anomalies, which can be used to improve geological interpretations. The findings have significant implications for hazard assessments in densely populated areas around active volcanoes.
Researchers analyzed images of ground motion before and after the January 12 earthquake, confirming that only the western half of a fault segment ruptured. The data suggests a significant risk of another major quake striking Port au Prince within the next 20-30 years.
A team of Yale scientists has deciphered the color palette of a 150-million-year-old feathered dinosaur, Anchiornis huxleyi, revealing rich patterns and colors previously unknown. The analysis suggests that dinosaur feathers evolved for communication, rather than just flight.
Carnegie scientists Kenneth Caldeira, Yingwei Fei and Steven Shirey have been elected AGU Fellows for their exceptional contributions to climate science, geological research and Earth sciences. Their work has significantly advanced scientific understanding of the internal structure of Earth and other planets.
A new Yale University study suggests that current CO2 levels could lead to a greater temperature increase than previously thought, with temperatures potentially rising by 3 degrees Celsius or more. The research found that a relatively small rise in atmospheric CO2 was associated with substantial global warming during the mid- and early...
A new study finds that Earth's polar ice sheets are susceptible to significant melting under moderate global warming scenarios, potentially leading to a 6-9 meter sea level rise. This could result in permanent submersion of low-lying coastal areas and hundreds of millions of people being displaced.
Researchers have imaged Yellowstone's plumbing using seismic waves, revealing a plume of hot rock rising from the northwest at a depth of at least 410 miles. The new findings suggest a larger magma chamber than previously thought, potentially leading to an even more catastrophic eruption.