The UK is investing in the ExoMars mission to explore the Martian surface and search for signs of past and present life. The mission will also study the planet's geochemistry, water distribution, and geophysics, aiming to identify potential hazards for future human missions.
Researchers mapped subsidence in New Orleans using satellite radar imagery, revealing areas where land is sinking at alarming rates. The study highlights the need for revised reconstruction plans and more durable levees to address the growing threat of flooding.
Scientists discovered ancient plant life in core samples from the Arctic Ocean, revealing that sea surface temperatures reached 23°C during the Paleocene Eocene Thermal Maximum, a period similar to current global warming. The findings suggest that carbon dioxide levels played a crucial role in past and present climate changes.
Researchers found that magnesiowüstite, a common mineral in the lower mantle, absorbs infrared light when compressed to extreme pressures. This suggests that radiation may not play a significant role in heat flow near Earth's core.
Scientists have found that temperature variations are more intimately linked across time scales than previously thought. The researchers used measurements from corals, ice cores, and sediment cores to estimate past temperatures, revealing a stronger connection between annual and decadal cycles.
A new study at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory reveals a four-step process to produce oxygen in frigid environments, challenging previous models. Oxygen isotopes measured during experiments showed that intermediate species of hydrogen-oxygen permeate the ice film.
Scientists have found that glacier melting in polar regions is causing a rise in seismic activity, with glacial earthquakes occurring most commonly in summer months. This phenomenon is linked to the movement of massive glaciers and their response to climate change.
Scientists detect a seasonal pattern in glacial earthquakes in Greenland, with over one-third occurring during July and August. The increased frequency of these events may be a response to global warming, with significant implications for climate change.
Researchers found that left-handed snails are less frequently attacked by right-handed crabs, leading to increased survival rates. This advantage is likely due to the specialized tooth on the crab's right claw, which is designed for opening shells, making it harder for the crab to access the left-handed snail's shell.
Scientists have discovered a creep mechanism in high-pressure phases of ice that affects grain size, indicating weaker ice layers in giant icy moons. This finding challenges previous theories on the thermal evolution and internal dynamics of these moons.
Dr. Worcester is recognized for his pioneering work on acoustical oceanography and tomographic inverse methods, as well as his tireless efforts to develop responsible permitting structures for scientific sound use. He is the eighth recipient of the Munk Award, a testament to his groundbreaking research and leadership in the field.
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.
Yale researchers will observe, describe, and explain severe atmospheric turbulence over mountains, focusing on 'gravity waves' that impact the stratosphere. The Terrain-induced Rotors Experiment (T-Rex) project aims to measure properties of whirlwinds formed in mountain ranges and monitor gravity wave behavior.
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.
A team of NJIT solar physicists observed that the amount of light reflected by Earth has increased since 2000, despite less sunlight reaching the surface. The result is a paradoxical increase in global temperatures, which could be due to changes in cloud cover and altitude.
Researchers analyzed chemicals in elephant tail hair to determine their diet and movements, revealing the need for secure habitats to protect endangered species. The study aims to inform land use planning and minimize conflicts between humans and elephants.
Researchers have found that a large swath of territory in the Northeast is slowly moving southward in relation to the rest of the continent. This region is recovering from the weight of ancient glaciers and has long been known to be rising slowly due to their retreat.
The SAFOD project reveals a correlation between nonvolcanic tremors and microearthquakes, suggesting a possible causal relationship. The researchers also obtained seismic data during a magnitude 6.0 earthquake in 2004, indicating that damaged rock began forming mineral seals soon after the event.
A large and fast-moving lava flow is pouring into the sea on Montagu Island, extending the shoreline on its north side. The event is special because it's rare to observe eruptions under ice sheets, providing unique insights for researchers like Dr John Smellie.
John Castagna's developed an algorithm to predict seismic-wave velocities for direct hydrocarbon indicator analysis, detecting oil and gas reservoirs more effectively. This advancement enables explorers to locate hydrocarbon discoveries with higher accuracy, reducing the need for costly drilling operations.
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.
Drillers penetrate active fault zone to observe earthquakes up close, allowing scientists to study conditions under which earthquakes initiate and grow. The SAFOD project combines data from the borehole with thousands of seismic measurements to investigate plate tectonics and fundamental scientific questions.
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.
Researchers John S. Wettlaufer and J. G. Dash propose an alternative explanation for the behavior of a solid isotope of helium at low temperatures. They suggest that a thin, lubricating superfluid film forms between the solid and its container due to melting at the boundary, which occurs in all solids.
Scientists investigated Antarctic icebergs' detachment from the main continental ice sheet, finding that ice fracturing occurs in episodes and may be tied to seasonal changes. The studies used satellite data, GPS equipment, and seismometers to monitor rifts on East Antarctica's Amery Ice Shelf.
Scientists developed a new method to image the earth's rupture during the Dec. 26 Indian Ocean earthquake, providing a fresh perspective on the massive event. The technique uses first-arriving seismic waves to create detailed images in under 30 minutes, which could be used for public-warning and tsunami-alert systems.
Scientists have uncovered a submarine volcano growing in the summit crater of another larger underwater volcano, Vailulu'u. A unique hydrothermal community of hundreds of slithering eels was found surrounding the eruption site.
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 study provides a comprehensive analysis of the earthquakes, including the longest fault rupture and duration of faulting, as well as the seismic waves that traveled around the globe. The researchers also found that the earthquake caused the planet to vibrate with 'free oscillations,' like the ringing of a bell.
Researchers used advanced supercomputing technology and chemical analysis to reconstruct past sea temperatures, finding that increased levels of CO2 in the atmosphere initiated warming. This breakthrough sheds light on how climate may respond to greenhouse gas emissions in the future.
A study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers finds that variations in the Earth's axis tilt control the timing of glaciations, acting as a planetary pacemaker. The researchers developed a simple model to analyze the effects of changes in tilt on climate belts and seasons.
Researchers found conditions unfavorable for methane gas hydrate formation in the northern Gulf of Mexico due to salt domes and hot sediments. The study suggests deposits may be thin or non-existent, contradicting previous estimates.
Scientists have detected high levels of silver contamination in North Pacific waters, linked to atmospheric emissions from Asia. The findings suggest that silver could be used as a tracer element for tracking the fate of industrial emissions, with implications for understanding pollution patterns.
Scientists have developed a new method to create detailed images of the Earth's interior, improving resolution and accuracy. This technique uses ambient seismic noise, rather than earthquakes, allowing for better understanding of the planet's structure.
Researchers found unique organisms thriving in highly alkaline fluids rich in methane and hydrogen, differing from black-smoker vent ecosystems. The discovery may provide insights into the origins of life on Earth and potential signs of life elsewhere.
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.
Physicist Gary Zank and his team at UCR will study the heliosphere and interstellar space with the $134-million IBEX mission. The team aims to confirm or refute predictions about the hydrogen wall, a boundary comprised of hydrogen atoms and protons.
Roger Atkinson, a leading atmospheric chemist, has been elected Fellow of the American Geophysical Union. His pioneering research on atmospheric reactions and photochemical smog has received recognition from various quarters. He has contributed to the development of analytical and experimental methods for researchers.
This article discusses distal fluvio-lacustrine volcaniclastic resedimentation in central Japan and its tectonic implications. Additionally, sedimentology on Macquarie Island reveals fossil ridge-transform intersections, while high-resolution C-isotope stratigraphy sheds light on mid-Neoproterozoic climate change in the Grand Canyon. T...
Researchers from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have detected a unique 2175 Å wavelength feature in interstellar grains within interplanetary dust particles. The feature is carried by carbon and amorphous silicate grains, abundant in IDPs, which may help explain how some IDPs formed from interstellar materials.
Researchers at Washington University have discovered that organic carbon and amorphous silicates in interstellar grains embedded within interplanetary dust particles are the carriers of the astronomical 2175 Å extinction line. This finding solves a 40-year-old mystery, providing evidence for the origins of this feature.
Astronomers have discovered that radio jets from black holes can trigger the collapse of interstellar clouds and induce star formation. The jets' collision with dense gas leads to the creation of new stars, bringing 'new life' to these systems.
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.
Researchers recreated extreme conditions to find that rocks rich in chromium minerals accelerate the production of more complex hydrocarbons. This process may help explain the diverse communities thriving around hydrothermal vents.
A UCLA physicist uses complex systems analysis to study how best-selling books reach their sales peaks, finding that two types of shocks can lead to predictable sales patterns. The researcher's model has been applied to understanding earthquakes and other natural disasters.
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.
Fred Hilterman, a UH geophysics professor, is being honored with the Cecil Green Enterprise Award for his innovations and dedication in advancing geosciences. He co-founded the Geophysical Development Corporation (GDC), which integrated petrophysical and seismic data, and developed AVO technology to determine the earth's composition.
Scientists are conducting an experiment to gather information about the deep underlying structures of the San Andreas fault line using a highly sensitive gravity instrument. The goal is to affordably gather data and compare future surveys to track changes in the shallow crust beneath the surface.
The Alpine fault begins as a single fault, unlike most other strike slip faults which form from multiple small faults. It exhibits significant seismicity at the southern and northern ends but is relatively aseptic in the central portion.
A study suggests that CO2 fertilization may be transferring enough carbon from the atmosphere to the soil to balance the global carbon budget. Kevin Harrison's research found a CO2 fertilization factor of 1.18 for a white oak ecosystem, which could have significant implications for understanding the impact of climate change.
Researchers suggest Martian and Utah rocks formed underground when minerals precipitated from flowing groundwater, providing clues to the origin of 'blueberries' discovered on Mars. The study also sheds light on the search for evidence of past life on Mars.
Scientists found prolonged changes in hydrothermal activity after a magnitude-7.9 Denali fault earthquake in Alaska triggered more than 1,000 small earthquakes in Yellowstone within a week. Some geysers erupted more frequently while others less often due to changes in water pressure and underground conduits.
Researchers analyzed sediment cores to reconstruct climate over the last 5 million years, finding a gradual transition from warmer Pliocene to cooler Pleistocene climates. The climate system became more sensitive to small perturbations, leading to dramatic swings in climate patterns.
A multinational team of scientists has found microscopic life colonized in ancient volcanic lava dating back nearly 3.5 billion years. The discovery was made in the Barberton Greenstone Belt, a location that was previously thought to be inhospitable for life.
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.
Astronomers have discovered a possible link between a comet impact in the 6th century and the 'Dark Ages.' The comet's debris caused a prolonged cold period, similar to a nuclear winter, resulting in crop failures and widespread starvation. A small comet size was needed to cause such dramatic effects.
Scientists discovered bacteria in deep drill holes on Earth, suggesting similar conditions exist on Mars. The findings imply that microorganisms can thrive in extreme environments, increasing the chances of life existing beyond our planet.