A new study of Martian seismic data collected by NASA's InSight mission reveals a highly heterogeneous and disordered mantle on Mars, born from ancient impacts and chaotic convection. The findings offer an unprecedented window into the geological history and thermochemical evolution of a terrestrial planet under a stagnant lid.
Researchers analyzed atmospheric pressure waves from a massive South Pacific volcanic eruption to determine the speed of seismic waves in Alaska's upper crust. The study provided valuable information on subsurface material properties, such as hardness, which controls seismic velocity.
Research investigates seismic scatterers in the lower mantle by studying the phase transition of (Al, H)-bearing stishovite under high pressure and temperature conditions. The results show that varying Al content can explain depth distributions of seismic scatterers observed in the circum-Pacific region.
The magnitude 7.7 Myanmar earthquake had the highest recorded rupture velocity, exceeding 5.3 km/s, a phenomenon known as supershear propagation. This was confirmed by analysis of satellite images and seismic station recordings.
Researchers have discovered that low-velocity zones beneath subducting tectonic plates are caused by partial melts generated from upwelling water-rich mantle material. These melt pockets rise through the mantle, creating a global water-recycling loop and lubricating plate motion.
New research found microearthquakes in the central Southern Alps increase during warmer periods, triggered by meltwater from glaciers and seasonal snow. The study highlights the role of extreme rainfall and glacier dynamics in seismic activity.
A modified rapid visual screening approach in Pakistan assesses the seismic vulnerability of buildings in high-risk areas, recommending retrofitting and strengthening measures. The study emphasizes the importance of community engagement and education to build a culture of preparedness and reduce seismic risk.
A new report estimates that an earthquake early warning (EEW) system could provide at least 10 seconds of warning time for hazardous shaking in Alaska. Increasing the density and spacing of seismic stations can add up to 15 seconds, according to researchers. The study aims to help expand the US ShakeAlert system to Alaska.
Researchers found that ground acceleration from moonquakes can shift lunar landscapes and threaten stability of future missions. The study assesses damage risk using new models of quakes and finds a one in 20 million chance of a potentially damaging moonquake occurring near an active fault.
Researchers successfully used seismic signals to detect the re-entry of a Hayabusa2 sample capsule and compare it with signals from natural meteoroids. The study found that intact objects had a distinct seismic signature compared to fragmented ones, providing valuable information on planetary defense strategies.
Researchers analyzed seismic data to conclude that the 2025 Myanmar earthquake ruptured at supershear velocity, reaching speeds of up to 6 kilometers per second. The rupture occurred along a 480-kilometer stretch of the Sagaing Fault, causing significant damage and loss of life in Myanmar and neighboring countries.
A new UNM-led study provides conclusive evidence of the Queen Charlotte fault system's seismic hazard, confirming its potential to produce catastrophic events. The research used advanced geophysical tools to map the deep structure of the ocean floor, revealing a fault zone with the potential to generate powerful earthquakes and tsunamis.
A new study published in Science Advances uses machine learning to re-examine historical earthquake data from the Yellowstone caldera over a 15-year period. The team detected and assigned magnitudes to approximately 86,276 earthquakes, significantly improving previous understanding of volcanic and seismic systems.
A global Android smartphone-based earthquake detection and early warning system detects seismic activity in real time and delivers effective alerts, rivaling traditional seismic networks. The system, which harnesses the power of existing smartphones, has collected voluntary feedback through user surveys, indicating that 85% of recipien...
Researchers have identified a previously unrecognized source of seismic hazard for the Yukon Territory, finding evidence of multiple large earthquakes on the Tintina fault in recent geologic history. The team's findings confirm that the fault continues to accumulate strain, posing a future earthquake threat with potential magnitudes ex...
Researchers analyzed seismic waveform data to reveal a complex source process with multiple rupture episodes. The study found that the earthquake exhibited unconventional rupture behavior, with asymmetric ruptures propagating in both north and south directions.
A recent study analyzed seismic waveform data from a tsunami earthquake (Mw 8.3-8.5) that occurred off the British South Sandwich Islands in 2021. The team found a combination of directional variation in rupture propagation and slow slip events contributing to long-duration shaking, differing from conventional models.
Scientists have successfully demonstrated a stress memory effect in deformed olivine at extreme conditions, which could improve seismic zone predictions. The observed effect is relevant to the seismic zones of subducting slabs, providing new insights into volcanic activity.
Researchers discovered that solid rock flows horizontally in the lower edge of the Earth's mantle, accelerating seismic waves. This finding solves the mystery of the D" layer and opens a window into the dynamics of the Earth's deepest interior.
Researchers used SWOT satellite data to confirm that two mega tsunamis triggered by landslides caused trapped waves in the fjord. The study provides new insights into ocean extremes and how climate change affects remote areas.
A USTC research team monitored seismic wave speeds in the Anninghe fault zone, finding distinct diurnal and semi-diurnal cycles that correlated with tidal forces. These periodic changes reflect the impact of tidal forces on the internal stress field of the fault zone, offering a new method for detecting earthquake precursors.
A research team from USTC used tele-seismic double-difference tomography technology to reveal the morphological changes of the Pacific subducting slab beneath Northeast China. The study found that the local insertion of the subducting slab into the lower mantle controls deep-focus seismicity and Changbaishan volcanism.
Researchers developed a new equation to predict seismic wave propagation in magma containing crystals and bubbles, revealing how crystal content influences wave velocity and waveform properties. The analysis also showed that bubble content affects attenuation effects, with discernible differences emerging between models.
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025, causing 4,900 fatalities and widespread destruction. The event exposed weaknesses in urban planning, preservation, and disaster preparedness, emphasizing the need for reconciliation with seismic resilience.
Researchers found that socially and economically marginalized groups face higher earthquake risk due to housing conditions, income, language, and race. Governments can design more inclusive emergency response strategies by integrating social vulnerability measures into disaster-risk assessments.
A multidisciplinary team analyzed seismic waveforms to reveal a significant low shear-wave velocity anomaly at a depth of 5.4–8 km, indicating possible liquid water in the upper crust.
A new analysis reveals that the Çöpler Gold Mine site had been slowly moving for at least four years prior to the fatal landslide, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring. The study suggests integrating infrastructure management with monitoring and rapid response mechanisms to avoid future disasters.
A new study has investigated seismic signal shear-wave splitting to provide early warnings of dangerous eruptions. The research team discovered that the amount of splitting doubles before a larger, more explosive eruption, indicating a useful relationship between the parameter and the size of the eruption.
Researchers explored CFRP-RC composites to overcome brittle failure and residual deformation in conventional shear walls. A refined size-effect correction model was proposed to address limitations in seismic performance prediction, paving the way for more resilient designs.
Advanced signal detectors have a low success rate detecting underground nuclear tests when seismic signals from nearby earthquakes overlap. Researchers found that even sophisticated multi-channel correlation detectors can only identify explosions with a 37% success rate, contrasting with a 97% success rate without earthquake interference.
Researchers are extending the earthquake history of northeastern North America by analyzing Native American place names and languages, revealing regular seismic activity and past large earthquakes. The study found that words for earthquake exist in several tribes' languages, suggesting a repetitive phenomenon.
Researchers use artificial seismic waves to image the ground beneath Yellowstone's caldera, determining the top of the magma chamber is 3.8 kilometers below surface and comprised of volatile gases and liquids. The findings indicate the long-dormant volcano is not in immediate danger of eruption.
Researchers deployed fiber optics to detect seismic signals of crevasses opening on a Swiss glacier, confirming the technology's potential in monitoring glacier stability. The team detected 951 icequakes with strong oscillations after the arrival of seismic surface waves.
Researchers at KAUST developed a highly accurate 3D dynamic model to better anticipate large earthquakes. The model provides a more accurate understanding of strong shaking during the Turkiye earthquake, enabling information for future seismic hazard assessments.
Fiddler crabs use vibrational signals to communicate during courtship, and a new study reveals that signal features are influenced by the male's claw size. Researchers found that males with larger claws produce higher-energy signals, allowing females to assess their quality from afar.
This study reveals clear periodic patterns in seismic velocity changes on daily, semi-daily, and monthly timescales, driven by tidal forces. The research provides new insights into how tidal forces impact fault systems, offering valuable information for understanding fault dynamics and seismic hazards.
Full Waveform Inversion (FWI) technology provides unprecedented precision in seismic imaging, breaking resolution limitations of traditional methods. It characterizes complex structures within the Earth's interior and offers higher-resolution subsurface models.
Researchers have shown that earthquakes in the Marmara region transport a large amount of energy towards Istanbul, with most quakes exhibiting an eastward rupture direction. This finding has important implications for urban planning, emergency response, and seismic hazard maps, which will be taken into account in future studies.
The study found the main shock and aftershocks concentrated at a depth of 12 km with high consistency across multiple methods, indicating a reverse thrust event with a small dextral strike-slip component. Historical GPS observations and geological surveys revealed the earthquake was triggered by Lajishan Fault activity.
Researchers analyze Makran Subduction Zone using advanced thermal modeling to understand slab dehydration, fluid release patterns, and seismic activity. The study provides new insights into subduction dynamics and contributes to seismic hazard assessment in the region.
A landmark study resolves debates on mantle dynamics beneath the Tonga Subduction Zone by mapping three-dimensional shear-wave velocity and azimuthal anisotropy structure. The research team analyzed 150,219 amplitude and phase measurements to construct a high-resolution 3D velocity model extending to 300 km depth.
A new seismic study of Singapore reveals areas with increased risk of ground shaking, guiding urban growth and renewable energy development. The research identifies potential reservoirs for geothermal energy production and provides insights into the city-state's tectonic history.
Researchers found a correlation between solar heat and seismic activity, suggesting that incorporating solar activity predictions into detailed Earth temperature models can improve earthquake forecasts. This study sheds light on the role of solar heat in triggering earthquakes, potentially providing a more accurate prediction method.
Researchers modelled mantle convection to show African LLVP has older, better mixed material than Pacific LLVP, which is enriched in subducted oceanic crust. This difference affects heat extraction from Earth's core, posing a challenge for observations and models.
A new study highlights the importance of distinguishing between domains of physical activity. Researchers found that engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity during leisure time reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, while occupational physical activity has no similar benefits. The study's findings suggest that current WHO phys...
Researchers analyzed spatial interactions between active fault segments in the L'Aquila Basin, revealing a structural connection between disconnected faults. Thermoluminescence dating indicated tectonic activity began 2.7 million years ago, while stable isotope analysis revealed fault structures formed at depths of 1.5-2 kilometers.
Researchers used a remote seismic station to detect and characterize an earthquake swarm in American Samoa, producing a new catalog of events. The technique employed, combining single-station data with deep-learning models, can be useful in sparse monitoring regions.
Researchers used seismic noise data to track groundwater storage changes in the Greater Los Angeles region. The study found that only 25% of groundwater lost over two decades was replenished by 2023 storms, highlighting substantial long-term depletion and slow recovery of deep aquifers.
A new study from USC scientists has found that the near surface of the Earth's inner core may undergo viscous deformation, changing its shape and shifting at the inner core's shallow boundary. This discovery sheds light on the role topographical activity plays in rotational changes in the inner core.
Researchers found that cellular concrete requires less cement, generates fewer air pockets, and reduces overall weight, making it suitable for seismic zones. This material's production results in notable reductions in energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
A recent study published in Seismica journal has debunked claims that a magnitude 4.5 earthquake in Iran was a covert nuclear weapons test. The researchers analyzed seismic signals from the event and concluded that it was caused by natural geological forces, contradicting widespread misinformation on social media and news outlets.
Researchers developed a new algorithm that combines fibre optic data with traditional seismometer measurements to improve earthquake detection. The approach works well even in noisy environments and can be applied to any fibre network, enabling more detailed and effective seismic monitoring networks.
Researchers have discovered persistent and large magma bodies beneath dormant volcanoes in the Cascade Range, surprising scientists. The team used seismic waves to identify these magma chambers, which exist beneath volcanoes over their entire lifetime, not just during active eruptions.
A recent study found that positive affectivity contributes to higher physical activity levels and increased activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, depressive feelings are associated with lower physical activity levels. Mental well-being plays a crucial role in maintaining a physically active lifestyle.
Jeffrey Given received the 2025 Frank Press Public Service Award from the Seismological Society of America (SSA) for his work in developing seismic monitoring tools and supporting the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization. His expertise spanned fundamental seismology to software development and data management.
Charles Langston is awarded the Harry Fielding Reid Medal for his groundbreaking work on receiver function methodology, enabling unprecedented detail in imaging the Earth's crust and upper mantle. His techniques underlie multi-station imaging methods used globally, and have also been applied to study seismic data from Mars InSight.
The university has patented a novel energy dissipation device using sand to protect buildings from earthquake damage. The device absorbs and dissipates seismic energy through specially designed containers filled with granular materials like sand.
A series of small earthquakes in Surrey in 2018 and 2019 may have been triggered by oil extraction from a nearby well, according to a new study. The research used mathematical modeling to predict the frequency of earthquakes based on oil extraction timing and volume, finding a rough match with observed seismic activity.
Researchers unveil groundbreaking insights into earthquake nucleation, showing that slow, aseismic motion is necessary and triggers seismic rupture. The study's findings also emphasize the critical role of geometric transitions in controlling nucleation dynamics.
A recent Colorado State University study demonstrates that climate change can affect earthquake frequency, as glaciers recede and slip along faults increases. This suggests that earthquake activity could increase as glaciers melt, impacting hazard assessment and seismology.