Massive sheets of lava produced by flood basalt eruptions generated intense heat, pushing ash and gas into the upper atmosphere and causing dramatic global-scale climate shifts. These events are now believed to have contributed to mass extinctions, including those that wiped out dinosaurs.
A systematic study of Greek quarries may help archaeologists pinpoint the source of famous sculptures like the Elgin Marbles. The research used stable isotopic composition and geochemical structure to deduce specific origins for ancient marble, providing new dimensions to the growing field of marble studies.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new description of microbial kinetics based on chemiosmotic theory, providing a fundamental explanation for microbial metabolism. The unified theory predicts results from experiments under various conditions and offers a simple explanation for threshold substrate concentrations.
Researchers suggest that mountain-front reservoirs store water, smoothing out seasonal fluctuations and leaving only long-term cycles. This process is influenced by the fluctuating position of the water table relative to stream levels.
The Geological Society of America is hosting press briefings during its annual meeting in November 2000. The events will feature presentations from experts on topics such as landslides and slope-stability problems related to gas hydrates, the Walker Lane transform plate boundary, and planetary science research. The meetings are open to...
Scientists at Rutgers University have found that humans have significantly altered the global carbon cycle over the past 200 years, leading to a rapid increase in atmospheric CO2 levels. The study's authors caution that governments must adopt new technologies to mitigate this trend and prevent unforeseen consequences for the Earth system.
A $1.1-million study led by LSU will examine marine life on offshore platforms for pharmaceutical value, while also investigating the potential for better glues and adhesives. The research aims to identify new treatments for diseases such as cancer and AIDS.
The study reveals that a catastrophic global die off of vegetation led to the rapid transformation of river systems from meandering to braided streams. This shift, occurring at the end of the Permian Period and the beginning of the Triassic, was accompanied by massive extinctions of marine and land vertebrate species.
A new study documents very warm sea surface temperatures in the western Pacific about 400,000 years ago, which supports the hypothesis that the tropics is a key player in global climate change. The analysis provides valuable insights into past temperature shifts and could aid numerical modelers in predicting future warming.
Researchers found that the northern Hayward fault slips at a rate of 5-7 millimeters per year, similar to the surface, indicating it is not locked and releasing built-up strain. This reduces the threat of a major quake on this segment, but other hazards remain high.
Thomas A. Steven, a retired USGS research field geologist, received the 7th Annual Dibblee Medal for his outstanding contributions to field geology and geologic mapping. He was recognized for his work on complex volcanic structures, genesis of ore deposits, and landscape evolution.
A recent analysis of a 1.2 billion-year-old Martian meteorite has shown the presence of water-soluble ions that resemble those found in Earth's oceans. The study suggests that ancient Martian oceans had a chemical composition similar to Earth's, with elements like sodium and chloride present in high concentrations.
The USGS has released the World Petroleum Assessment 2000, revealing a 20% increase in undiscovered oil and a slight decrease in natural gas. Potential additions to reserves from reserve growth are nearly as large as estimated undiscovered resource volumes.
Researchers have found no evidence of gradual dinosaur extinction but rather a catastrophic event. Scientists also explore the formation of the Hawaiian volcanic Island of Hilo Ridge, which challenges previous theories on its origin.
Researchers at University of Michigan and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology propose alternative theory on Earth's formation. They found that tungsten isotopic compositions of Earth do not match those of enstatite chondrites, supporting the idea that planets received materials from broad regions of the solar system.
Researchers studied ancient sediment samples to understand Antarctica's past environmental changes and their impact on global climate. The findings suggest a complex relationship between ocean circulation patterns and ice sheet stability, contradicting previous desert-like conditions in the region.
A team of Boston University astronomers has captured new ground-based photos of Mercury's surface, revealing details similar to those on the Moon. The images, taken in August 1998, show bright craters and dark lunar mare-like markings, providing insights into Mercury's geology.
A new study suggests that Istanbul is likely to suffer a major earthquake within the next 30 years. The research estimates a 62% probability of strong shaking near the city, comparable to recent disasters in Izmit and Düzce.
Researchers have discovered gold grains, tin-based pewter plates, and lead shots at the Blackbeard's flagship wreck, providing insights into the treasure's composition and burial conditions. The findings are part of two studies presented at the Southeastern Section Geological Sciences Association Meeting on March 23.
A new archaeon, Ferroplasma acidarmanus, is found in mining sites and accelerates the production of sulfuric acid, a major environmental pollutant. The microbe's ability to thrive in acidic conditions without a cell wall defies conventional understanding.
A new method suggests that trees and large plants led to an increase in atmospheric oxygen over 300 million years ago. This period saw higher concentrations of oxygen lasting for 100 million years, significantly higher than current levels of 21 percent.
Researchers at Ohio State University used ground penetrating radar to detect creosote deposits buried beneath an EPA cleanup site in Marion, Ohio. The technique showed promise for finding other kinds of buried hazardous waste.
The Mars Global Surveyor's Thermal Emission Spectrometer has mapped the mineral composition of Mars' surface, revealing a primarily volcanic surface with distinct differences between southern and northern hemispheres. The survey provides valuable insights into Martian geology and may help explain changes in the planet's interior.
A University of Illinois researcher has shed light on the formation of silica-rich glasses in xenoliths by studying the chemical interaction between sodium and mantle rocks. The study reveals that sodium diffusion can significantly alter magma composition, leading to anomalous mineral ratios found beneath mid-ocean ridges.
The Cornell University-led Comet Nucleus Tour mission aims to conduct close-proximity comet flybys, studying the comets' geology and composition. The spacecraft will be launched in July 2002 and explore Comets Encke, Schwassmann-Wachmann-3, and potentially others.
Carnegie Mellon's Big Signal allows users to explore Antarctica remotely through Nomad's sensors and cameras. The project aims to engage students in remote geology and provide them with access to scientific data.
A revised geological history of coastal California reveals that the Mendocino Triple Junction is a slab window, too simple to accurately portray events at the northern end of the San Andreas fault. The thickening and thinning of the crust alter the underlying rock characteristics, influencing earthquake responses.
UB scientists discovered that soft spots on volcanoes can collapse and trigger devastating mudflows that can travel up to 80 miles. The research highlights the danger of older volcanoes with hydrothermal fluids, which change rock structure and make them more vulnerable to collapse.
A new research project aims to study the relationship between hydrology, plant, animal, and human communities in the Cosumnes watershed. The project will inform river and floodplain restoration programs throughout the Central Valley.
Researchers discovered strong evidence of a 55.5 million-year-old global warming event linked to a massive methane release. The 'latest Paleocene thermal maximum' led to the extinction or disappearance of deep-sea species and changed ecosystems. Further research is needed to understand this phenomenon.
Depleted gas reservoirs can store enough carbon dioxide to limit emissions from fossil fuels for at least 20 years, according to USGS scientist Dr. Robert Burruss. However, capturing, compressing, transporting, and injecting such large amounts of CO2 requires an industry nearly twice the size of the current natural gas industry.
A team of scientists discovered the oldest known dinosaur fossils in Madagascar, dating back to 230 million years ago. The fossils were found by a young local boy named Mena who led researchers to a hill with a mound of bones, sparking an eight-year dig that yielded spectacular results.
A team of paleontologists has discovered jaws from two of the oldest dinosaurs ever found, along with eight other prehistoric animals, in a rich bed of fossils in Madagascar. The discovery provides a unique glimpse into the mid-late Triassic Period and illuminates scientific understanding of this era.
Three tiny teeth found in a piece of lower jawbone from a small Jurassic period mammal on Madagascar's island, contradicting widely-held ideas on mammalian evolution. The discovery more than doubles the age of the oldest known mammal from Madagascar and provides new insights into early branching events in the family tree of mammals.
A new radiation detector based on optical fibers has been developed to detect illicit plutonium. The device is light, flexible, and can be used in various applications, including airport security and medical treatments for brain tumors.
The Mars Pathfinder mission sent back 2.3 gigabits of new data, including over 17,000 images and 16 chemical analyses of rocks and soil. The mission provided key findings on Mars' geology, magnetic properties, atmosphere, and cartography.
New research suggests that the Southeastern US experienced a warm and wet climate during the Middle Holocene Period, contrary to previous theories. Fossil pollen data and paleochannels indicate intensified flooding and increased wetland plants, while a lack of windblown sand supports this finding.
USGS scientists will present research on rare plants, including soft-leaved Indian paintbrush and island jepsonia, and the effects of invasive species like feral pigs. The symposium aims to inform conservation strategies for California Channel Islands National Park.
The Geographic Information System Interactive Map Server allows users to view maps of major geographic features, including location of earthquake faults and technical data. The site draws on databases created at Cornell over the past six years, making geological data accessible to researchers and educators worldwide.
The Cornell team will monitor seismic waves produced by local and distant earthquakes using temporary recording stations set up in eastern Turkey. They aim to determine how the Arabian plate is being supported and what specific earthquake hazards exist in the region, shedding light on the early stages of continental collision.
Researchers have discovered motion along the southern portion of the boundary between the west African (Nubian) and east African (Somalian) plates. The finding helps geologists understand how the East African rift fits into plate tectonics, improving global models for predicting India-Eurasia collision.
The National Academy of Engineering has elected 80 engineers and eight foreign associates for their important contributions to engineering theory and practice. The newly elected members include innovators in fields such as algorithms, satellite technology, nuclear fuel bonding, and biotechnology.
A new way of dating earthquakes has been developed by Vanderbilt University researcher Jay S. Noller, allowing for a more precise timeline of past quakes and a more accurate assessment of future quake probabilities. By studying bedrock formations, Noller was able to determine the timing, frequency, and likelihood of future quakes.
The Florida Regional Competition of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl will be held in Fort Pierce, with 25 teams competing for scholarships and awards. The competition aims to broaden awareness and understanding of ocean research among high school students.
A new study reveals that glaciers prompted volcanic eruptions after they retreated north over the past 800,000 years. The research found that volcanoes were subdued when glaciers were present and became active when they retreated, suggesting a possible connection between climate change and volcanic activity.
Paleontologists have unearthed the first complete fossil of a gorgonopsid, a fearsome reptilian-mammalian creature that roamed Earth 250 million years ago. The discovery provides valuable insights into the gorgon's torso and limbs, resolving a long-standing debate about its anatomy.
Chinese and US researchers have identified the world's oldest flowering plant, a 140-million-year-old fossil found in northeast China. The plant predates the previous oldest-known flower by over 25 million years, shedding light on the origins of flowering plants.
Bruce Marsh's groundbreaking discovery in Antarctica reveals a network of interconnected vertical columns with crystalline mush, overturning a long-held concept. This new understanding is being carefully laid out methodically and precisely, promising to reshape the discipline of magmatism.
The ASU geology team is collecting and analyzing data from the Galileo spacecraft, which shows strong evidence of a liquid ocean under Europa's surface. The images transmitted by the spacecraft reveal terrain types similar to an iceberg found on Earth near Europa's surface.
A team of researchers has predicted that a major industrial town in Mexico could be destroyed by rapid volcanic mudflows within the next decade. The study used a mathematical model developed by the US Geological Survey to calculate the potential risks, finding that even small mudflows would have devastating effects.
Volcanologists at the University at Buffalo have developed a method to analyze satellite data and identify weak spots on a volcano's surface. By interpreting the data, they can determine properties such as water or iron-bearing minerals that contribute to weakening of the volcanic structure.
Dinosaur tooth enamel holds secrets to ancient climate conditions, with new analysis suggesting middle latitudes may not have been warmer than today. Data from Madagascar indicates sub-tropical latitudes were warmer and more arid during the Late Cretaceous era.
Researchers used electron microscopy to analyze 18th century Staffordshire-style earthenware, finding varying amounts of oxides added for color. The study suggests that cheap knock-offs may have been made and passed off as authentic Staffordshire pottery, highlighting the potential for mass production in the industry.
Renewable energy sources, such as solar and nuclear power, are crucial to fill the gap between energy demand and supply. John D. Edwards predicts that world crude oil production will peak in 2020 at 90 million barrels per day, emphasizing the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy options.
Researchers found a direct correlation between high nitrate levels and nitrogen-rich bedrock in California's Sierra Nevada mountain range. Nitrogen-rich rocks released into the environment can cause massive algae blooms and affect human health.
An ancient Antarctic ice core suggests a global climate-warming event occurred 12,500 years ago, with temperatures rising about 20 degrees Fahrenheit in a 50-year period. The findings challenge previous assumptions and throw new light on climate change research.
A computer simulation by Cornell University geologists shows that forest fires follow a fractal distribution, similar to other natural events. By analyzing data from forests and wildfires worldwide, including Yellowstone National Park, the researchers found that allowing smaller fires to burn can prevent larger ones.
Dinosaur tracks in Alaska provide evidence of a previously unknown high latitude dinosaur region. The discovery includes four-toed tracks suggestive of armored or horned dinosaurs and pebbly texture skin impressions, revealing the diversity of ancient species that flourished in the Arctic.
Researchers at Arizona State University have found a large deposit of mineral hematite on Mars, suggesting the presence of hydrothermal activity and potentially water in the past. The find makes a strong case for future NASA missions to explore this area near the Martian equator.
Seismologists capture detailed images of deep underground processes at mid-ocean ridges, revealing melting rock flows up in a broad zone rather than a narrow plume. This new data represents a major step forward in understanding Earth's crust formation and volcanic activity.