Five UH geosciences professors are recognized for their outstanding achievements in various fields of study. Janok Bhattacharya receives the Grover E. Murray Memorial Distinguished Educator Award, while Aibing Li receives a $450,000 NSF Faculty Early Career Development Award supporting research and education integration. Fred Hilterman...
Researchers at Yale University discovered that ice sheets sometimes mesh together when colliding, forming a series of interlocking blocks dubbed finger rafting. This curiosity has puzzled scientists for over 50 years.
Researchers have discovered intermediary stage embryos between early-stage animal embryos and their adult forms, shedding light on the development of Earth's first animals. The discoveries were made using microfocus X-ray computed tomography (microCT) imaging and suggest that these embryos would have grown into tubular organisms.
Research suggests that massive ancient carbon releases caused global warming 55 million years ago, with temperatures increasing by up to 9°F (5°C) in just 10,000 years. The findings imply high climate sensitivity to CO2 and contradict skepticism about the Earth's response to increased carbon dioxide emissions.
Scientists from the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School have developed an approach to investigate ocean reefs, which are considered the core of most living organisms. The new study has shed light on how stromatolites form and offers a new way to explore the origins of these living records.
Researchers analyzed tooth enamel to determine early human relatives' diet, finding seasonal variations in leaves, fruit, seeds, roots, and possibly grazing animals. This study sheds light on the variability of human diets over time, suggesting that it has been a key factor in modern humans' ability to adapt to different environments.
The University of Houston has received a $1.4 million grant to provide students with hands-on training in the petroleum industry. The donation includes the KINGDOM Suite software, which will be used for research and classes.
Researchers found cells about to divide and kidney-shaped structures within ancient embryos, suggesting sophisticated mechanisms for differential cell division timing and embryonic cell lineage differentiation. The discovery challenges previous claims about the evolutionary relationships of these early animals.
Mark Brandon's award-winning research explores the dynamics of erosion in tectonically active mountain ranges. His work has shed light on the interplay between accretion, erosion, and wedge growth in shaping the Earth's surface.
Geologist Robert D. Hatcher Jr has made significant contributions to the field of geology, including applying plate tectonics to the southern Appalachians and pioneering new seismic exploration techniques. He is recognized for his work through the prestigious Penrose Medal from the Geological Society of America.
The Geological Society of America Distinguished Service Award recognizes exceptional contributions to the society's thriving publications program. Three 2006 awardees - Dr. Abhijit Basu, David E. Fastovsky, and Roger L. Kaesler - have expanded the program through their leadership and service.
Scientists have discovered evidence of man's environmental impact at an underwater volcano, revealing lead pollution originating from Australia that traveled thousands of miles to the Mediterranean. The study highlights the growing power of using high-precision isotopic measurements as a tracing tool.
Carnegie Institution's Marilyn Fogel receives Fulbright grant for astrobiology research, tracing phenomena and exploring life on Mars. The grant supports her work with the AMASE team in Svalbard, a Norwegian island similar to Martian geology.
Researchers analyzed fossilized pollen samples to determine temperature and precipitation changes in East Asia from 16,000 to 10,000 years ago. The results indicate that East Asia reacted differently to global warming during the last cold surge event.
A new study provides an explanation for continental plate breakups, showing that they often occur along preexisting lines of weakness created during earlier collisions. The research uses geochemical fingerprinting to demonstrate this principle, shedding light on the history of the Rheic Ocean.
Scientists studied earthquakes and tsunamis in the Bering Sea coastline, including magnitude 7.7 quakes, to understand the tectonic history of Kamchatka. The research suggests that Kamchatka sits atop a smaller plate called the Okhotsk block, which is being deformed by convergence zones of tectonic plates.
A University of Toronto study reveals that rainfall-induced erosion significantly impacts tectonic plate behavior, extending to the mantle thermal engine. The research suggests subtle surface weathering could shift plates over millions of years.
Researchers suggest that the subduction of the northern portion of the Juan de Fuca plate beneath the North American plate may be slowing and eventually cease, potentially altering the seismic hazard profile of the region. The discovery was made using advanced technology and data from formerly classified U.S. Navy hydrophones.
Researchers at Yale University discovered a key to identifying areas within subduction zones prone to severe damage during earthquakes. Sediment layers deposited on top of the overriding plate cause it to 'stick,' increasing the likelihood of earthquake events in these regions.
Researchers found that sediment-filled basins in subduction zones can strengthen the edge of the plate above, increasing the likelihood of large earthquakes. The Cascadia subduction zone is particularly prone to severe shaking due to its forearc basins, which can be up to 3 miles deep.
Researchers estimate that copper and zinc reserves are not enough to meet future demands if all nations adopt modern technologies, threatening sustainable resource use. The study suggests that scarce metals like platinum risk depletion in this century due to lack of substitutes.
Fluid inclusions hold clues to understanding metal deposit formation and tracking oil deposits. By studying inclusions, scientists can predict where new fields may be discovered and uncover evidence of water and life on other planets.
A team of scientists found that coral populations were healthy until the 1980s when they were killed by disease and high sea temperatures. Addressing global environmental issues like climate change is crucial for saving coral reefs.
Researchers from Yale University and the Imperial College have digitally reconstructed a fossilized brachiopod complete with its pedicle and lophophore, revealing new insights into extinct forms. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of brachiopods and challenges previous assumptions about their similarities to modern examples.
A study by Yale University and NOAA finds that direct sunlight affects weather balloon temperature probes, leading to discrepancies in global warming estimates. This correction reveals an increase of 0.2 degrees Celsius per decade in average global temperature over the last thirty years.
Researchers at Yale University have found that varying oxygen concentrations in alligator eggs alter growth patterns and affect bone development, suggesting a link to fossil records of prehistoric atmospheric oxygen levels. The study provides new insights into the complex interaction between vertebrate development and oxygen levels.
A team of scientists from Virginia Tech and Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology have discovered uniquely preserved fossils from the Ediacaran Period, dated to 550 million years ago. The discovery sheds new light on the evolution of complex life forms during this period.
A new study by Arizona State University reveals Mars' surface minerals using THEMIS and TES data, yielding surprising results in localized areas. The findings show that Mars has evolved and continues to evolve beneath its surface, similar to Earth, with diverse igneous mineral types rivaling those found on our planet.
NASA's Mars Exploration Rovers Opportunity and Spirit have been studying geology on opposite sides of Mars for over a year. The rovers have found extensive layered bedrock, including rocks containing the mineral Ilmenite, which suggests a shared origin and diversity in volcanic rocks in the Gusev region.
Scientists led by Professor Jeffrey J. Park have detected the natural tones from seismograms after the Sumatra-Andaman earthquake, providing information on Earth's deep mantle and core. The data supports a model of the earthquake that lasted about 10 minutes, with massive slabs of rock moving over 800 miles.
The May GEOLOGY media highlights featured articles on the preservation of a unique coal-bearing succession in the Pennsylvanian Joggins Formation and the role of evaporite withdrawal. Seismic profiles also showed that layers of salt were able to flow and rise to the surface, leading to subsidence and preservation. Additionally, researc...
The May-June GSA Bulletin issue explores phosphogenesis and organic-carbon preservation in the Miocene Monterey Formation at Naples Beach, California. Researchers propose a corollary to the Monterey hypothesis suggesting major sinks of organic matter are located in continental sediments.
A new study published in Geology estimates the maximum possible earthquake magnitude in the San Fernando and Northridge areas of Los Angeles County. The researchers used paleomagnetism to analyze sediments and found that the crust is broken into blocks, limiting the maximum earthquake magnitude to around 6.8.
Scientists have identified over 20,000 uniquely 'fetch-limited barrier islands' along coastlines worldwide. These islands differ from classic ocean-fronting barriers in their wind- and wave-shielded settings and tend to be smaller with average lengths ranging from 1 kilometer.
Researchers have discovered evidence of barren ground grizzly bears on Melville Island, a remote area in the western Arctic. The presence of these bears is significant as they are known to prey on polar bear cubs and could potentially disrupt the balance of Arctic ecosystems.
UCSB scientists investigate seafloor hydrothermal fluid discharge to uncover insights into the origins of life on Earth. By studying subseafloor microbes and geological formations, researchers aim to understand how early life survived in a challenging environment.
A recent study published in Geology found that Kilauea's sulfur dioxide emissions can cause bronchial irritation, trigger asthma attacks, and potentially lead to cardiac problems. The researchers recommend establishing monitoring in the region directly south of the volcano to better understand the health risks.
A new study suggests that ancient humans' systematic burning of Australia's interior led to the desertification of the region. The research indicates that this burning altered the flora enough to decrease the exchange of water vapor between the biosphere and atmosphere, causing the failure of the Australian Monsoon over the interior.
Scientists have detected a 'whiff' of methane evaporating off the surface of Saturn's moon Titan, revealing insights into its geology and weather systems. The data from the Huygens probe also suggests that beneath the thin crust lies a material made of water ice grains.
Research on Neoproterozoic low-latitude sedimentary rocks reveals that tropical oceans were likely very cold during the Cryogenian period, leading to widespread sea ice. In contrast, a Cretaceous alluvial sequence provides evidence of long-term amplification of the global hydrologic cycle and greenhouse climate signals.
Research shows how individual species interact with each other after extinction, affecting recovery and evolution. Marine snails' feeding behavior changed from drilling holes to reach soft bodies inside clam shells.
A new method of paleoelevation has been developed by Jennifer McElwain at the Field Museum, allowing scientists to estimate land elevation over geological eras. The method uses stomata on leaves to determine past carbon dioxide levels and elevation, providing a more accurate understanding of climate evolution and plant animal migration.
Research refutes old idea that dinosaurs were declining in diversity during their time on Earth. Early dinosaur diversity increased dramatically throughout the Cretaceous period, reaching 245 genera.
Sea levels have been rising worldwide for at least 10,000 years. Rising ocean temperatures and glacial runoff could lead to a 90-centimeter increase by 2100, overwhelming coastal structures like barrier islands and tidal wetlands. Local geography and geology also play a role in estimating effects of rising seas.
Russell G. Slayback receives the William B. Heroy Jr. Award for his exceptional long-term service to AGI, while Warren D. Allmon is recognized for his outstanding contribution to public understanding of geoscience through his work at PRI.
Dr. Ernest Mancini, current director of the Center for Sedimentary Basin Studies at the University of Alabama, will receive the prestigious Ian Campbell Award for his exceptional commitment and dedication to the geological sciences. He is being recognized for his outstanding contributions to the profession.
Norman D. Newell, a renowned geologist and paleontologist, will receive the Legendary Geoscientist Award for his groundbreaking research on fossil bivalve mollusks and modern carbonate sediments. He is also recognized for his advocacy of public understanding of evolution and science education.
The American Geosciences Institute announced winners of the Earth Science Week contest, showcasing artistic talents in visual arts, essay writing, and photography. The contests aimed to increase public awareness of geology and the earth sciences.
Researchers have discovered a link between sulfate and arsenic levels in groundwater, suggesting that adding sulfate can effectively sequester arsenic. This method could provide a simple yet reliable field test to identify safe drinking water from contaminated sources.
Researchers at Yale University have devised a method to precisely date the timing and temperature of a meteorite impact on Mars. The (U-Th)/He dating method provides a far more accurate picture than conventional methods, shedding light on the history of Martian impacts and their effects on interplanetary material transfer.
Fossil discovery reveals ancient sea spiders are related to land spiders and scorpions, with the new species Haliestes dasos dating back 35 million years. The preserved specimens provide valuable insights into their unique body form and behavior.
A University of Colorado at Boulder research team has located a massive body of rock that sank into Earth's mantle 3.5 million years ago, allowing the Sierra Nevada mountains to rise. The study used high-tech instruments to image the geology to 125 miles below the surface.
Researchers analyzed rare isotope data to gauge when rivers abandoned their ancient beds and exposed terraces. The study reveals that rivers cut through bedrock at a rate far more rapid than previously thought, driven by regional climate changes during the last ice age.
Researchers challenge traditional views on volcano eruptions, finding evidence that giant eruptions are significantly less likely than previously thought. They discovered that plutons, which form beneath volcanoes, are built by small molten intrusions over millions of years.
A team of geologists has discovered evidence of at least three Cryogenian glaciations, with ages estimated to be around 663 million years ago. The new findings confirm a previously hypothesized 'snowball Earth' scenario and suggest significant climate changes may have led to extinctions.
Researchers developed a computational method to 'morph' deformed fossils back to their original shapes using geometric morphometrics and multiple rock slabs. The new retrodeformation programs have been tested with fossils from the Middle Ordovician Period, showing promise for understanding ancient deformation.
The Charleston earthworks, built in 1862-1863, are gradually eroding at a rate of about five millimeters a year. Researchers have been documenting the pattern and rate of this degradation to better understand natural hillslope evolution.
Scientists from UW-Madison used a new technique to precisely date glacial deposits, revealing that the last two major glaciations were global events. The findings suggest that rapid cooling of the Earth's atmosphere synchronized climate change worldwide during each ice age.
A mathematical equation called the Bruun rule is being misused to predict future beach erosion due to its complexity and limited applicability. Experts argue that the rule has never been shown to provide accurate predictions, even under ideal conditions.
Researchers found that ocean acidity influences early estimates of carbon dioxide and temperature link, correcting temperature curves to match glacial records. They applied correction factors for changes in acidity, calcium ions, and carbon dioxide saturation, accurately predicting two major glaciations.