Scientists investigate the Alum Shale rock to reconstruct processes of oil and gas formation, identify possible traces of past life on Mars, and explore its potential as a site for nuclear waste disposal.
Scientists have reevaluated early Earth impacts, finding a possible x10 increase in bombardment frequency. This could have significantly altered the planet's near-surface chemistry and atmospheric evolution.
Researchers found that planets with moderate tilts can increase oxygen production in oceans, favoring the emergence of complex life. This discovery helps refine the search for advanced life on exoplanets.
A study suggests that known geochemical processes cannot explain the high concentration of methane detected by Cassini spacecraft on Enceladus. Mathematical models suggest that microbial hydrothermal vent activity or abiotic processes could be responsible for the methane production.
A new UK study finds racial minority students are significantly underrepresented in geology, physical geography, and environmental science. This systemic exclusion risks alienating large sections of the global population from addressing climate change.
Scientists have developed a new method to identify the movements of criminals by analyzing soil and dust found on equipment, clothing, and cars. This technique uses geochemical analysis to match soil remnants to regional samples, allowing police to pinpoint crime scenes. The method has been tested in a trial with promising results.
Researchers found ancient diamonds with gases similar to those in the modern mantle, indicating little change in atmospheric volatiles over the last 2.7 billion years. This suggests that essential volatile elements like carbon and nitrogen were present on Earth soon after its formation.
Researchers found geochemical evidence of pre-coinage silver trade in the Late Bronze and Iron Age periods, with Hacksilber playing a crucial role. The study analyzed Hacksilber from 13 sites dating back to 1300 BCE, revealing its origin from the Southern Aegean and Balkans.
Astronomer Alicia Rutledge has been awarded a $200,000 NASA Planetary Science Early Career Award to support the development of a field-portable laboratory for her research on cold-climate alteration processes. The award will enable her to conduct analog fieldwork and train next-generation scientists in planetary analog science.
Northern Red Sea corals have been found to be resistant to higher temperatures due to their symbiotic algae and bacteria. The study reveals that these corals can withstand average temperatures up to 5°C higher than usual, offering hope for saving coral reef ecosystems.
Researchers from Tomsk Polytechnic University studied pore waters in three areas of methane release on the surface, comparing regional features and geochemical indicators. They used modern sampling methods to minimize failures and obtain accurate results, revealing new insights into processes occurring in these unique ecosystems.
The study provides precise geochronological constraints on the duration of the Yixian Formation and its units, revealing a shorter duration than previously estimated. The results suggest a rapid bio-diversification event during this period, supported by the exceptionally preserved volcanic-influenced ecosystem.
The Skoltech team used ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry to study the molecular composition of carbonaceous chondrites from Murchison and Allende meteorites. They discovered a wide diversity of chemical compounds and unexpected similarities between meteorites from different groups.
Researchers reconstructed chemical weathering history in the western Himalaya using sediment records since 17 million years ago. In California, a study analyzed late Pleistocene rock uplift and faulting rates along the boundary between the southern Coast Ranges and western Transverse Ranges.
The INRS project aims to improve access to safe drinking water for rural communities along the Ikopa River in Madagascar. The study will assess the risks of well water contamination and propose solutions to address frequent floods that contaminate underground and surface drinking water sources.
Researchers found that weathering rates and atmospheric composition are crucial for a planet's habitability. Geochemistry plays a key role in determining the balance between radiation and liquid water, with extreme temperatures potentially altering this balance.
Researchers have found asteroid dust inside a Chicxulub impact crater, confirming the link between asteroid impacts and dinosaur extinction. The discovery seals the deal, with elevated levels of iridium and other asteroid elements matching those in geologic layers worldwide.
Researchers from HKU have discovered evidence of a reduced atmosphere on ancient Mars, dating back 3.5 billion years. The team used infrared remote sensing and spectroscopy to analyze mineralogy and geochemistry of ancient rocks, revealing weathered conditions indicative of a reducing environment.
Mark Torres, an assistant professor at Rice University, has won the Geochemical Society's top honor for early-career scientists. His research focuses on interactions between the hydrosphere, cryosphere, atmosphere, biosphere and crust.
Researchers from Ural Federal University have developed a novel sol-gel method to synthesize high-purity zircon, a crucial material for storing and disposing of radioactive waste. The synthesized zircon can also be used as a reference sample in mineralogical studies, thanks to its unusual properties.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery about coral bleaching, revealing that corals start to starve before their algae are expelled due to nutrient depletion. This finding has significant implications for understanding the causes of coral bleaching and identifying resilient reefs.
A single invasive species, quagga mussel, regulates phosphorus cycling in four Great Lakes by ingesting particulate phosphorus and redistributing it through physiological processes. This shift alters the ecosystem's sensitivity to external nutrient load management.
Researchers A.M. Celal Sengor and colleagues used geochemistry and structural geology to identify essential mountain-building processes in the Precambrian rock record. The Saharides' formation added 3-5 million km2 of material to the continents, providing a new method for reconstructing complex mountain formations.
A team of researchers from the University of Rhode Island discovered single-celled microorganisms living in sediments at 120 degrees Celsius, where they didn't expect to find them. The study found evidence of metabolism and temperature regimes that make these environments habitable.
A new analysis of Peekskill meteorites and others suggests that asteroids formed through violent bombardment and subsequent reassembly. This finding challenges the prevailing idea of a peaceful early solar system. The researchers propose the 'rubble pile hypothesis,' which supports this conclusion.
Research at Brothers submarine arc volcano reveals distinct microbial communities shaped by magmatic gases and hydrothermal fluids, highlighting the complexity of subsurface geology in forming high biodiversity. Over 90 new bacterial and archaeal families are discovered, providing insights into life's evolution on Earth.
Researchers analyzed sediment cores to find iron-containing dust promoted CO2 sequestration and glacial cooling in the South Pacific during the last Ice Age. The dust, mainly from north-west Argentina, traveled up to 20,000km and reduced atmospheric CO2 by up to 40ppm.
New research suggests that ancient deep-sea corals provide a time machine to study changes in ocean circulation and carbon cycle during the last ice age. The study found that rapid changes in ocean circulation around Antarctica released CO2 to the atmosphere, ending the last ice age.
Researchers used PAHs to monitor pollution and track down its sources in various ecosystems, including soils, plants, and water. The team identified key factors that impact PAHs accumulation, providing a new tool for environmental monitoring and pollution analysis.
Researchers found that spreading volcanic ash from a ship to an area of ocean floor could sequester up to 2300 tonnes of CO2, significantly cheaper than other methods. The technique is less invasive and doesn't require expensive technology or land repurposing.
Tiny crystals containing iron, silicon, and aluminium increase magma viscosity, leading to violent eruptions. The discovery explains the mystery of sudden volcano eruptions, providing insights into geochemical processes.
An international team of astronomers detected phosphine in Venus' atmosphere, which could be evidence of biological origin, but unknown photochemistry or geochemistry are also possible explanations.
Scientists have discovered that a small fraction of carbonate melt is present throughout the Earth's mantle, storing a large mass of carbon. This finding sheds light on seismology and its connection to climate change.
Researchers uncover new details about the oldest planetary objects in our Solar System, which formed iron-rich meteorites. The distinct chemical signatures of these meteorites can be explained by core crystallization in their parent bodies, deepening our understanding of the geochemistry occurring in the Solar System's youth.
Researchers found evidence suggesting a major volcanic eruption on the European continent drove the cooling event known as the Younger Dryas, which occurred around 13,000 years ago. The study used isotope analysis to rule out an extraterrestrial impact and provides new insights into the Earth's climate system.
Researchers studied Telica Volcano, using photos collected from 1994-2017 and photogrammetric techniques to quantify changes in crater morphology. They found that crater wall collapse is a primary mechanism for changing volcano shape.
Researchers at Caltech have found bacteria that use manganese as their primary source of energy, converting carbon dioxide into biomass through chemosynthesis. This discovery sheds light on the geochemistry of groundwater and has implications for understanding manganese nodules on the seafloor.
A new method uses hafnium isotopes to determine the origin of Roman glass, confirming that high-quality glass was made in Egypt. The study sheds light on the production of transparent glass, a valuable commodity in ancient Rome.
A team of geochemists at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory has solved the mystery of Earth's vanishing crust by discovering a distinct chemical fingerprint for subducted crust. They found that about 5-6% of the Earth's mantle is made of recycled crust, contradicting prevailing theories on crust formation rates.
Researchers have developed a novel geochemistry test that can identify osteoporosis before its clinical effects on bones. The test is more sensitive and can detect changes in calcium isotopes in blood and urine, allowing for earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers at NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre have developed intelligent systems capable of identifying geochemical signatures of life from rock samples. The new system, set to debut on the 2022/23 ExoMars mission, will prioritize data transmission over huge distances, overcoming limitations in the search for life on Mars.
Researchers found remnants of bridgmanite in large type IIb diamonds, suggesting they formed at depths of over 660 km. This confirms predictions that both the Hope and Cullinan diamonds are super-deep, originating from more than three times deeper in the Earth's mantle
Researchers found that early-formed rocky exoplanets are more likely to develop plate tectonics, a condition favorable to life emergence. This implies that life in the galaxy might have started earlier than previously thought, with planets formed later facing less chance of supporting life.
Scientists have discovered man-made mercury pollution in the Marianas Trench, the deepest part of the ocean. This finding has significant implications for the marine environment and food chain, highlighting the impact of human activities on the planet.
Researchers summarize the processes involved in forming porphyry copper deposits, including dehydration, magma ascent, assimilation, storage, and homogenization. The study highlights ongoing challenges, such as tectonic control on geochemical characteristics and metal pre-enrichment mechanisms.
Using data from NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft, scientists at Durham University measured the rates at which neutron particles leaked out from Venus and Mercury. The findings suggest a neutron lifetime of 13 minutes, with implications for our understanding of the Standard Model of particle physics.
Scientists found that building blocks of DNA and RNA can spontaneously form and co-exist in early Earth conditions, challenging the 'RNA world' theory. The research discovered four building blocks for DNA and RNA that can arise from the same reagents and conditions.
A new study by Duke University researchers finds that reusing oilfield water in California's Kern County does not pose major health risks. The water can be safely used for irrigation if mixed with surface water, but farmers must plant boron-tolerant crops and monitor soil quality to avoid potential issues.
A University of Melbourne study finds that parts of the Eastern Highlands in Victoria may be as young as 5 million years, contradicting previous estimates of 90 million years. The team used speleothem dating to determine the age of stalagmites and flowstones in nearby caves.
New Rutgers research confirms that modern sea-level rise is linked to human activities and not changes in Earth's orbit. Surprisingly, the Earth had nearly ice-free conditions with carbon dioxide levels similar to today.
Research reveals bedrock composition limits vegetation productivity in Southwest China's karst region, influencing soil formation and water retention. The study provides a crucial tool for optimising land use and assessing ecosystem resilience to climate change.
Experiments simulate conditions of Neptune-like exoplanets, suggesting mutual solubility between silica and water. This finding challenges traditional views on the distinction between rock and ice, with potential impact on the study of water-rich planets.
A new Duke University study finds that co-occurring contaminants in North Carolina's private wells can heighten health risks for millions of residents. The study highlights the need for more research to better understand the health impacts of geogenic contaminants and mixtures.
Research team led by Professor Hagit Affek analyzed chemical bonds in calcium carbonate minerals from fossilized eggs to calculate body temperatures of dinosaurs. Their study found that dinosaur body temperatures ranged from 35-40 degrees Celsius, suggesting endothermic characteristics.
A team of scientists has successfully measured the viscosity of silicate melt under pressure and temperature conditions similar to those in the lower earth mantle. The data suggests that a bridgmanite-enriched rock layer was formed during the early history of the Earth, with implications for our understanding of the planet's formation.
A study examined water chemistry, macroinvertebrate community health, and microbial community structure in 25 streams with varying levels of oil and gas development intensity. The researchers found no significant associations between OG development intensity and chemical tracers or measures of ecosystem health.
Research suggests that glacier retreat leads to increased mercury uptake by vegetation, which can sequester more mercury than released glaciers. This phenomenon is not accounted for in current global models and has significant implications for global mercury cycling.
A recent study published in Science Advances analyzed a shocked meteorite sample, revealing the presence of bridgmanite and metallic iron nanoparticles. Bridgmanite is considered the dominant material in the Earth's lower mantle, making up about 38 volume percent of our planet.
Researchers have discovered that stable isotopes of zirconium can be fractionated by magnitudes much larger than previously thought. This finding changes the view on how this element behaves in the solid Earth, enabling a new tool to gain insights into magma chemistry as it crystallizes.
Joanna Clark is developing a technique to study past Martian climate conditions using silica minerals. She plans to create silica minerals in the laboratory and analyze them for oxygen isotopes.