Researchers used mitochondrial and Y chromosome DNA analysis to determine family relationships and burial traditions of ancient Peru. The study found a 500-year continuity without major impact from European colonization, supporting the idea of ayllu-based communities based on kinship relationships.
Scientists have identified active faults in the Pacific Northwest region, which could produce earthquakes with magnitudes between 6 and 6.5. A volcano in Greece has also reawakened, causing significant swelling of the land near the caldera, suggesting an influx of magma into a chamber below the surface.
Scientists investigate constant lower crustal temperatures and variable water contents in mafic melts from the SW Japan arc, linking magmatic water to differentiation of arc magmas. High-resolution carbon-14 dating reveals lamination rates influenced by climate and lake geochemistry in ancient stromatolites. Methane seeps are found as ...
Scientists have recorded unprecedented deformation within Santorini's caldera, with movement of up to nine centimeters between GPS stations. The volcano's magma chamber has expanded by 14 million cubic meters since January, raising concerns about a potential eruption.
The Chugach Metamorphic Complex in southern Alaska reveals short-lived metamorphism, while a study of Shiveluch Volcano provides insights into lava dome growth. Meanwhile, a team from Tulane University proposes a new calibration model for the Geomagnetic Polarity Time Scale, and researchers in Tibet explore pulsed Miocene range growth.
Researchers have discovered two distinct groups of Sulfolobus islandicus bacteria speciating in a hot spring habitat, despite shared genetic material and gene exchange. The study reveals that these groups are already separate species, with differences spanning only 0.35% across the entire chromosome.
A 300-million-year-old tropical forest was discovered and characterized by a Penn researcher, providing insight into the ecology and climate of its time. The researchers found six groups of trees, including tree ferns, Sigillaria, and Cordaites, which were preserved in volcanic ash.
Journalists Alexandra Witze and Jane Qiu win €2,500 Geosciences Communications Fellowship for book and climate change projects respectively. The EGU General Assembly invites all winners to attend in Vienna from April 22-27, 2012.
A team of Yale researchers found genetic signatures of the extinct species Chelonoidis elephantopus in over 1600 tortoises, suggesting direct descendants may still exist. The discovery could allow for the resuscitation of the species through intensive breeding of hybrids.
Researchers have found genetic evidence suggesting that the Galapagos giant tortoise species Chelonoidis elephantopus may still exist in the wild, despite being thought extinct for over 150 years. The discovery was made by tracking the DNA of hybrid offspring between this species and another, C. becki, on Isabela Island.
Scientists used Landsat satellite data to study Yellowstone's geothermal activity and identify changes in the park's unique landscape. The study found that satellite data can detect big changes in geothermal areas, but not necessarily what is happening or exactly where.
A new method for measuring artery narrowing could eliminate the need for a drug in assessing patients for a coronary stent. The investigational technique, termed instant wave-Free Ratio (iFR), produced similar results to existing methods and is being developed by Imperial College London and Volcano Corporation.
Scientists have discovered tranquillityite in Australia's Eel Creek Formation, a mineral previously believed to originate on the Moon. Meanwhile, researchers in Hong Kong present the first three-dimensional seismic velocity model of the region, providing insights into crustal structures and earthquake activity.
Despite fears, there's no evidence a supereruption is imminent; supervolcanoes are exceedingly rare and occur in clusters. Scientists closely monitor volcanically active areas, and there's no sign of a looming eruption.
A study led by Johns Hopkins behavioral neuroscientist Eric Fortune found that the brain prefers cooperative activity over solo ones, as demonstrated in plain-tailed wrens' duet songs. The research has implications for programming autonomous robots and understanding human social behavior.
Studies explore Ligurian accretionary complex evolution and Andean thrusting, shedding light on continental margin dynamics. Cosmogenic isotope analysis reveals insights into the geological history of Wonderwerk Cave and Redoubt Volcano.
A young underwater volcano has been mapped in unprecedented precision, reaching a height of 100m with lava tongue flows. The volcano's formation was confirmed by superimposing images from previous oceanographic surveys.
A study by Florida Institute of Technology and the University of Hawaii aims to provide early alerts of volcanic ash in the atmosphere using infrasonic signals. The research uses a sophisticated signal processing method to extract the infrasonic signature of volcano eruptions, allowing for estimates of ash column heights.
Researchers have collected rare boninite lava at the West Mata volcano, providing valuable insights into the formation and evolution of subduction zones. The discovery offers a unique opportunity to study the chemical and mineralogical variations of this ancient rock type in a pristine specimen.
Researchers have discovered that meteorite impacts can produce rapid ground-hugging currents of gas and debris similar to pyroclastic density currents from explosive volcanoes. The study found that ash and dust particles stick together in a way identical to volcanic eruptions, leading to the formation of accretionary lapilli.
Researchers re-examining the Hesperia Planum on Mars have discovered a complex landscape with narrow, sinuous channels that defy explanation. The team, led by Tracy Gregg, is seeking help from scientists studying similar features on the Moon to shed light on the channels' origins.
Researchers have uncovered a compound monogenetic volcano at Ilchulbong, Jeju Island, revealing multiple magma pulses and vent shifts. Additionally, petrographic analysis of Enkingen impact breccias indicates significantly more than previously estimated impact melt volume.
Researchers have uncovered a well-preserved example of a massive landslide triggered by a volcanic eruption on Tenerife. The study provides insights into the long-term effects of such events on hazardous pyroclastic dispersal, with potential implications for tsunami risk assessment and global preparedness.
Researchers used MESSENGER data to confirm past volcanic activity on Mercury, which poured out huge volumes of lava 3.5-4 billion years ago
Researchers study paleo-hurricane records from South Carolina marshlands and find that spatio-lateral continuity of hurricane deposits is poor. High-precision geochronology of the Chinle Formation provides new insights into early dinosaur evolution and temporal constraints on their evolution.
Recent studies in California's Poison Lake chain, the Kyushu region of Japan, and the Cuyama River in California have revealed diverse volcanic formations and complex tectonic interactions. In California, research suggests that discrete batches of basalt erupted along a short normal fault zone, while in Japan, volcano-tectonic processe...
The recycling of the Earth's crust in volcanoes is faster than previously thought, with rock from oceanic crust resurfacing in the mantle within half a billion years. This discovery was made using volcanic rock samples and challenges the previous estimate of two billion years.
A team of scientists successfully forecast the eruption of Axial Seamount, an undersea volcano located off the Oregon coast. The eruption, which began in April, is believed to be at least three times larger than the previous 1998 eruption.
University of Guam ecologist Thomas Marler conducted botanical surveys on Mount Pinatubo's slopes to study primary succession. He found that unstable soil surfaces continue to impact community formation, and elevation and distance from human settlement are key factors in vegetation characteristics.
Researchers led by Virginia Tech biochemist Bob White are studying Methanocaldococcus jannaschii to understand the origin of life. They have found that this ancient organism uses a primitive metabolic process, which could help unravel the mystery of how life first emerged on Earth.
Researchers confirm that volcanoes in Western Victoria and South Australia are due for an eruption, with a recurrence rate of 2,000 years.
The Puyehue-Cordón volcano in Chile continues to spew ash, affecting air travel in Australia, New Zealand, and other countries. The GOES Project's satellite imagery shows the steady stream of ash three weeks after the initial eruption.
The NASA Goddard FLICKR image gallery showcases a massive ash plume from the Puyehue-Cordón Caulle volcano in Chile, tracked by multiple satellites over six days. The plume was seen circling the southern hemisphere, affecting air travel and rainfall, with ash falling as far away as Australia.
NASA's Aqua satellite and GOES-13 provided high-resolution images and a video showing the Puyehue-Cordón Caulle volcano eruption in Chile. The ash plume moved from southeast to east over several days, influenced by changing winds., Satellite data will help airlines determine safe air travel routes.
Puyehue-Cordón Volcano in Chile erupted on June 4, prompting 3,500 evacuations. NASA's Terra Satellite, GOES-13, and GOES-11 captured images of the massive ash plume blowing northeast and southeast across the Atlantic Ocean.
A team of researchers from the University of Copenhagen and Iceland developed a protocol for rapidly providing air traffic authorities with data on volcanic ash risks. The new method can provide safety assessment information in under 24 hours, reducing the difficulty faced by aviation authorities during eruptions.
Researchers have discovered a new class of ceramic coatings that could offer jet engines special protection against volcanic ash damage. The coatings were tested and found to resist damage caused by ash deposits, with one coating offering sufficient protection against small amounts of ash ingested by the engine over time.
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.
At the 39th annual CAA conference, researchers will showcase their innovative approach to recording archaeological data using iPads, reducing time and improving accuracy. This 'Paperless' project utilizes digital technology to create a complete analysis of homes, shops, and businesses at Pompeii.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered high concentrations of CO2 in deep-sea volcanic ash deposits, confirming explosive eruptions can occur. This finding has significant implications for the global carbon cycle, particularly at mid-ocean ridges.
New research reveals ancient 'megadroughts' in the Southwest US, which may be followed by a cooler period. The study used sediment cores to analyze past climate conditions and found similarities with present-day warming trends.
Scientists study silicic calderas and crustal structure in the Iberian Peninsula, finding links to tectonic controls. Researchers also analyze eolian dynamics and sediment mixing in the Gran Desierto dune field using thermal infrared spectroscopy and remote-sensing data.
Researchers at University of British Columbia develop a model explaining long-lived volcanic earthquakes before and during eruptions. The 'oscillating plug' of magma causes tremors, which can be used to predict explosive eruptions.
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 team of scientists drilling near an Icelandic volcano hit magma in 2009, resulting in a potentially game-changing discovery for geothermal energy. The team estimated that the steam generated from the magma could power up to 25,000 homes.
Researchers studying magma flows in Iceland's Krafla volcano have found a rare opportunity to examine supercritical water and its potential as an energy source. The team discovered rhyolite magma, formed by partial melting of basaltic rock, which can generate significant electricity if harnessed.
Studies reveal marine ferromanganese crusts as potential mineral resources, while CO2 emissions from volcanic lakes are also highlighted. Additionally, progressive uplift of the north Tibetan Plateau is confirmed since the middle Miocene, with implications for geological processes and catastrophic events.
Astrophysicists can now obtain accurate answers to the mystery of accelerating universe expansion thanks to a calibrated Pan-STARRS telescope. The telescope's performance was fine-tuned at many individual wavelengths, allowing for consistent information about supernovae.
Recent studies by University of Rhode Island scientist Katherine Kelley reveal that the Earth's mantle is highly oxidized due to exposure to oxygen during its formation. The findings suggest that oxygen from subduction zones controls mineral composition and gas behavior in the mantle, influencing volcanic eruptions.
Scientists have discovered a new method to estimate volcanic plume properties by detecting lightning in ash clouds. This approach allows for remote monitoring of plume height and is detectable over thousands of kilometers away.
A decade of research on the Soufriere Hills Volcano has provided new understanding of magma activity, explosive dynamics, and volcano mechanics. The CALIPSO and SEA-CALIPSO projects have generated high-resolution images of the volcano's center and adjacent crust.
Months of volcanic restlessness preceded the 2010 eruptions of Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull, suggesting magma movement may have triggered its reawakening. By monitoring volcanoes, scientists can understand processes that drive them to erupt.
Researchers analyzed geophysical changes leading up to the Eyjafjallajökull eruptions, finding that magma movement triggered the reawakening. The volcano swelled for 11 weeks before erupting, with a rapid deformation stopping after the eruption began.
Researchers observe sills forming at shallow depths in sediment layers, releasing nutrient-rich fluids and significant amounts of CO2 and methane. This novel mechanism may influence ocean cycles and climate.
A NYU scientist concludes that Charles Darwin's theory of gradual evolution is not supported by geological history. Instead, Scottish horticulturist Patrick Matthew proposed a more accurate theory, highlighting the role of catastrophic mass extinctions in driving evolutionary changes.
A recent study published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health found that exposure to Kilauea's vog increases health risks, including headaches, sore throats, and acute airway problems. Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable due to their nose-breathing habits.
Researchers have developed a dynamic model to explain Mount Etna's existence, suggesting it resulted from decompression melting of upper mantle material. The theory provides an alternative explanation for the volcano's geological environment and surrounding volcanism.
A 2008 Kasatochi volcano eruption sparked a record-breaking phytoplankton bloom in the North Pacific Ocean, with iron-laden ash from the eruption taking up only a modest amount of atmospheric CO2
Researchers explored new techniques for 3D imaging and analysis of rocks, fossils, and other materials. These advances have improved our understanding of geological processes and the potential zones of weakness in volcanoes.
Researchers at Newcastle University create a wireless sensor that can withstand extreme temperatures to monitor volcanic activity and collect real-time data. The device uses Silicon Carbide electronics, which also offers radiation tolerance for potential use in the nuclear industry.