Scientists studied magma chamber pressure changes following a massive lava-dome collapse on Montserrat, finding an unprecedented increase in pressure. Another study revealed a simplified model of rock fracture dissolution, which predicts a power-law distribution of channel lengths. Additionally, researchers explored aerosol transport a...
Researchers found that volcanic aerosols can cool the ocean surface by up to .037 degrees Celsius, reducing sea level rise by several centimeters. The cooling effect can persist for decades, offsetting human-induced warming and showing a significant impact of volcanoes on climate.
Researchers found that tropical glaciers on Mars were formed from snow brought from the polar regions, similar to Earth's mountainous regions. This discovery sheds light on past climate changes on Mars and potential pockets of ice scattered across the planet.
Climate change is exacerbating landslides worldwide, particularly in Asia and the Americas, resulting in significant human and financial losses. International experts propose various strategies to mitigate landslide risks, including land use planning, building codes, and infrastructure development.
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.
Scientists discovered that clay minerals can protect and promote the formation of organic compounds under extreme conditions. This finding suggests that clays may have acted as a 'primordial womb' for infant molecules, providing shelter and facilitating reactions that led to the production of complex biomolecules.
New research shows that volcanic eruptions far north of the equator affect the world's climate differently than volcanoes in the tropics. The study focused on Mount Katmai's eruption in June 1912, finding it had a significant cooling effect during summer months.
Researchers studied tiltmeter data from the Soufriere Hills Volcano to understand its behavior and inner workings. They found that pressure is centered around a half mile below the dome or nearly 2.5 miles above the magma chamber, suggesting a more extensive region involved in pressurization.
Soybean rust, a fungal disease affecting crops in Africa, Asia, Australia, and South America, has caused up to 80% yield losses. Plant pathologists will discuss research on overwintering, movement, host plant resistance, and chemical control during the APS Annual Meeting symposium.
Researchers found that volcanic aerosol particles and sulfuric acid reduce methane production in wetlands, leading to a cooling effect. This mechanism may have played a role in past climate changes, with potential impacts on modern Earth's atmosphere.
Scientists have discovered a new underwater volcano near Samoa, dubbed Nafanua, which has rapidly formed since its last expedition in May 2001. The volcano's growth rate averages eight inches per day, and researchers found an unusual biological community of eels inhabiting the area.
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.
A new long-haired forest primate, named Highland Mangabey, has been discovered in Tanzania's Southern Highlands. The critically endangered species is characterized by a distinctive call and adaptation to the cold climate, with an estimated population of between 500-1,000 animals.
Scientists have created a Nanofountain Probe that enables sub-100 nanometer molecular writing, a capability previously unattained. The device employs a volcano-like dispensing tip and capillary-fed solutions to achieve high-resolution direct writing.
Researchers found that soil quality played a crucial role in shaping Polynesian farming patterns, with farmers adapting their agricultural system to optimal zones for sweet potato cropping. The study suggests that the emergence of warrior classes was linked to surplus agriculture and the ability to produce basic foodstuffs.
Recent Martian glaciers and volcanoes suggest ice-rich movement and climate change, with evidence of a major eruption over 350,000 years ago. This new research challenges the traditional view of Mars' geological history and provides fresh insights into the planet's dynamic evolution.
Researchers used high-altitude airborne imaging spectroscopy to identify two invading plant species, Myrica faya and Kahili ginger, in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The study found that these invaders are altering the forest ecosystem by changing leaf nitrogen and water content, with potential domino effects on native species.
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.
The loss of 6% of mountain gorilla habitat in the Virunga National Park is a significant step backward for the endangered species. Scientists are using NASA satellite imagery to monitor land changes and develop a monitoring system with conservation groups to protect the remaining habitats.
The CALIPSO project is the first volcano monitoring system of its type installed at an andesitic volcano. By comparing measurements with a computer model, researchers can understand what's happening beneath the surface. The goal is to measure magma reservoir size, magma inflow, and magma characteristics.
Recent Keck Telescope images of Uranus reveal an inner ring and high-altitude clouds with vigorous convection, indicating the planet is not static. The findings contradict previous assumptions about Uranus being a dull and unchanging planet.
Scientists used airborne LIDAR to map the dimensions of Mount St. Helens' uplift, creating detailed models to forecast volcanic hazards. The analysis revealed 5.3 million cubic meters of volume change in the area of uplift, confirming photogrammetric measurements.
A new study provides a detailed picture of magma and gas movement leading up to the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption, showing that magma stalled at a depth of three to four kilometers beneath the surface. The research sheds light on volcano behavior and offers fresh insights into the cataclysmic event.
Researchers at Bristol University found a link between magma storage depth and eruption explosiveness in the 1980 Mount St Helens eruption. Monitoring isotopic content of gases emitted from the volcano may help predict the next eruption's style and timing.
Researchers will examine submicroscopic bubbles in Martian meteorites to search for evidence of water on Mars. They will also use a new instrument to predict future volcanic eruptions by analyzing fluid inclusions in rocks.
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.
Scientists studying lava lakes on Io believe they may be similar to mid-ocean ridges on Earth, generating new crust through volcanic activity. This similarity suggests that Io provides insight into Earth's primitive history.
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.
A recent catastrophic landslide on Kilauea has created a debris buffer that stabilizes the Hilina slump, reducing the likelihood of future collapse. The buffer was formed when a detached piece of the mountain slid away and settled beneath the ocean, creating a broad, bench-like structure.
Researchers challenge traditional explanations for explosive eruptions, suggesting that continuous fragmentation of magma can prevent explosive releases. This theory helps explain the difference in water content between effusive and explosive lava flows.
Researchers have found that volcanic eruptions in the tropics may play a significant role in triggering El Niño events, with a nearly one-in-two chance of occurrence after an eruption. The study used paleoclimate records to reconstruct volcanic activity and El Niño events over a 350-year period.
Researchers hope that ice cores and ancient plants retrieved from glaciers in the Peruvian Andes may contain clues about a mysterious global climate change that occurred over 5,000 years ago. The cores are expected to provide a critical piece of the puzzle needed to understand climate variability in the region.
The Penn State Earth 101 course uses B-movie clips to engage students in learning about natural disasters, promoting critical thinking and science-based decision-making. Students work on projects such as public affairs manuals for cities with earthquake histories, debating topics like government response to natural disasters.
New research suggests that hot spots on Mars could be the key to finding signs of water and life on the planet. The study, led by Dr Hoffman, compares similarities between Antarctica's Mt Erebus ice towers and potential Martian structures, proposing a new focus for the search.
A recent study found that genetic differentiation among Sulfolobus islandicus populations increases with geographic distance, contradicting the prevailing theory of microbial biodiversity. This discovery suggests a more diverse microbial world than previously predicted.
Researchers deployed to Anatahan island to collect samples of gas, ash, pumice, and lava to study the early emissions and gases from the volcano. The samples will help determine the hazards of this eruption and provide critical clues about the possible behavior of Anatahan over the next few weeks and months.
Professor Phil Gans predicts that volcanic eruptions in Costa Rica are 'inevitable' and could lead to devastating pyroclastic flows. He studied volcanic rocks and found evidence of subduction-related volcanism dating back 24 million years, with major eruptions occurring every few thousand years.
Marine geologists will study Kick'em Jenny, a highly active volcano in the Caribbean, using advanced instrumentation and technologies. The two-week research cruise will investigate the volcano's acoustic signals, biological communities, and geological features.
A UCSD biologists' study links human impacts along the coast to size declines of marine snails, particularly among owl limpets and Gilded turban snails. The researchers found that human activity, not environmental change, has led to diminished size in gastropods on the southern California coast.
Scientists have discovered a hydrothermal siphon connecting two seamounts in the northeast Pacific, allowing water to flow northward over 50 kilometers. This phenomenon has significant implications for understanding heat flow through the crust, ocean chemistry, and microbial communities living on the ocean floor.
University of Cincinnati geology graduate student Keri Craven investigates how Hawaiian volcanoes age by analyzing rock samples and applying computer models. Her research suggests that the weight of the volcano may drive its aging process.
A geologist's study suggests that melting ocean crust under volcanoes can create rich mineral deposits, such as gold and copper. The research provides new insights into the formation of these deposits, which could help identify regions with high potential for mining.
Recent geophysical data shows Mauna Loa's summit caldera swelling at a rate of 2-2.5 inches per year, indicating magma accumulation. Scientists warn that this could be a precursor to an eruption, which would be the first time imaged with precise clarity.
Researchers discovered that nitrogen is quickly recycled through subduction zones in Central American volcanoes. Contrary to expectations, the study found that nitrogen gas was driven down deep into the subduction zone before rising back to Earth's surface in Guatemalan volcano systems.
Researchers at Columbia University have discovered a correlation between earthquakes and ocean tides, with seismic activity increasing during tidal lows. This study suggests that the seafloor crust is breathing with the ocean tides, allowing for regular tidal scheduling of seismic energy release.
Researchers are studying prehistoric human footpaths in Costa Rica, which were visible only through satellite images but invisible to the naked eye. The team hopes to uncover insights into ancient settlements, cultural practices, and potential connections between villages.
Scientists have detected a bulge in the Earth's crust near South Sister volcano, caused by slow accumulation of molten rock. This has led to an increase in gas emissions and swelling of the ground, raising concerns about potential eruptions.
Geologists analyzed rare rock samples from California and Oregon, which contain large amounts of osmium, a key element in the Earth's core. The findings suggest that these rocks came from hotspots at the core-mantle boundary, providing valuable clues to the Earth's core composition.
Researchers detected a magnitude 5.7 quake on Kilauea's southern flank in November 2000 using GPS data, which caused the volcano's southern flank to slide nearly 3.5 inches into the sea. The event could become a model for predicting catastrophic tsunamis in the Pacific.
A team of scientists developed a numerical model to simulate vulcanian eruptions, using field data and computer simulations to understand the internal processes. The model revealed that water vapor leakage affects explosion energy and pinpointed the source of pyroclastic flows.
The Pinatubo eruption validated computer-generated climate models demonstrating human-caused global warming. The sulfuric acid cloud altered winds and weather patterns, causing cooler summers and warmer winters worldwide.
The AAAS Science Journalism Awards recognize outstanding science reporting across various categories. This year's winners include Scott Shane of The Baltimore Sun for his special series on a Johns Hopkins University program to bring much-needed vitamins to the people of Nepal, and Richard Monastersky of The Chronicle of Higher Educatio...
Researchers developed a detailed hazard map for Pico de Orizaba, Mexico's highest mountain, using advanced technologies and computer simulations. The map reveals three levels of hazard based on probability, enabling local authorities to prepare for various events such as landslides, mudflows, and eruptions.
Researchers studied the 1883 Krakatau eruption's tsunamis, identifying distinctive pumice deposits that provide clues to the source of volcanic material. The analysis helps scientists interpret coastal deposits in areas of active explosive volcanism and assess volcanic hazards.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a new model for vulcanian eruptions, which they validated using data from the Soufriere Hills volcano. The model suggests that water vapor leakage plays a crucial role in determining the rate and force of these explosive events.
Large volcanic eruptions, such as Mount Pinatubo's 1992 eruption, trigger a response in plant ecosystems where they become more efficient at drawing carbon dioxide out of the air. This process is thought to be triggered by reduced direct sunlight allowing plants to photosynthesize more efficiently.
Researchers have found a massive magma reservoir beneath Mt. Vesuvius in Italy, extending over 400 square kilometers and eight kilometers deep. The reservoir is thought to be a zone of neutral buoyancy, where the magma floats in a trapped layer, and may hold clues to future eruptions.
A new database using Geographic Information System (GIS) allows geologists to interpret large amounts of data more easily. The system enables scientists to query and analyze data over a large area in various ways, leading to new insights into the tectonic history of regions. This advancement in science helps understand the Earth's regi...
A new model predicts a mega-tsunami could devastate the US coastline, with wave heights reaching 100 meters on the West Saharan shore and 50 kilometers high in Florida. The energy released would be equivalent to the electricity consumption of the entire United States in half a year.
Researchers at Michigan Tech have deployed a laboratory on Pico mountain in the Azores to track air pollution drifting across the North Atlantic. The lab, known as PICO-NARE, will detect ozone, black carbon dust, and carbon monoxide, shedding light on the impact of local pollution on global warming.