A team of scientists used low-cost sensor networks to map pollution exposure in real-time during the 2018 Kīlauea Volcano eruption. The study provided highly granular estimates of human exposure to fine particulate matter and sulfur dioxide gas, enabling communities to make informed decisions about their health.
SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2021
Researchers found that climate change will amplify the temporary cooling caused by large eruptions and reduce its effect on small- and medium-sized eruptions. The study used global climate models to simulate how volcanic aerosols might be affected by warming scenarios.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 12, 2021
In Ecuador's northwestern Andes, researchers from WSL and Aves y Conservation identified three new endemic orchid species, including Lepanthes microprosartima and Lepanthes caranqui. These rare species are threatened by habitat destruction and human activities, prompting conservation efforts to protect them.
Researchers identified seven 'pinch points' where moderate eruptions could have catastrophic global consequences, including disruptions to global supply chains and financial systems. These regions include Taiwan, North Africa, the North Atlantic, and the US state of Washington.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 6, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
The latest additions to the Geosphere journal feature groundbreaking research on diffuse spreading in the Mariana Trough, revealing a new mode of crustal accretion. Another study investigates the postglacial slip distribution along the Teton normal fault in Wyoming, USA, highlighting the impact of unloading on the fault's behavior. Mea...
SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateAug 3, 2021
Researchers analyzed data from Kīlauea's caldera collapse to characterize friction at a large scale. The study confirms the role of slip-weakening distance in earthquake mechanics and provides insights into the physics governing caldera collapses.
SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2021
Research finds that giant tortoises on the Galapagos Islands with human contact have higher bacterial resistance to antibiotics, posing a threat to public health. The study suggests that human activities are facilitating the dispersal of antibiotic resistance into the environment.
SourceUniversidad Complutense de Madrid·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateJul 19, 2021
A massive volcanic eruption in Indonesia about 74,000 years ago likely caused severe climate disruption globally, but early human populations were relatively unaffected. The study suggests that regional variation in climate impacts occurred, with the Northern Hemisphere experiencing cooling of at least 4°C.
SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 9, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A new indicator called sea color has been proposed by a scientist at Hiroshima University to predict volcanic unrest in submarine volcanoes. The researcher analyzed satellite images of Nishinoshima Island and detected signs of looming eruption approximately a month before the actual event, using sea discoloration data obtained from space.
SourceHiroshima University·JournalWater·DateJul 8, 2021
Scientists found that a rift in the Earth's crust was caused by a super volcano splitting the Indian Plate from Africa. The process involved the rotation of the continental plates due to the subcontinent acting like an axis.
SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 8, 2021
A new model simulates tortuous magma pathways feeding eruptions, identifying three forces: hotspot rise, volcanic rock weight, and buoyancy. This understanding lays foundations for predicting fissure eruptions and reducing dangers.
SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 7, 2021
Researchers inverted lunar regolith parameters using microwave radiation data from the Chang'e lunar sounder. The study reveals regolith thickness distribution and provides support for selecting sampling sites for future missions.
A study suggests that the Toba supereruption led to regional variations in climate impacts, with cooling predictions ranging from 4°C to 10°C in the Northern Hemisphere. Early human populations in these regions thrived despite the eruption's severity, according to independent archaeological evidence.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
The Laacher See volcano eruption occurred 13,077 years ago, according to revised dating, providing crucial information about historical climate fluctuations. This revised date coincides with observed temperature drops in Greenland Ice Sheet cores and has significant implications for European climate archives.
SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature·DateJul 1, 2021
This article discusses the findings of two new studies published in the GSA Bulletin. The first study examines the role of berthierine in controlling reservoir quality in deeply buried sandstone reservoirs, challenging the common assertion that chlorite coating inhibits quartz overgrowths. The second study investigates the rapid emplac...
SourceGeological Society of America·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateJul 1, 2021
Researchers from University of California - Santa Barbara create model to couple dynamics of landslides and tsunami generation, predicting wave amplitude based on initial column geometry and water depth.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateJun 21, 2021
Researchers deployed a network of low-cost sensors to measure sulfur dioxide and particulate matter concentrations in volcanic smog during the 2018 Kilauea eruption. The system enabled fine-scale measurements and monitoring of plume chemical evolution over time, providing valuable insights into extreme air quality events.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
A recent study suggests that a massive Toba supervolcano eruption destroyed the ozone layer around 60,000 years ago, contributing to a significant bottleneck in the human population. The team found that the resulting UV stress had severe effects on human survival rates, including crop failures and disease.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateJun 1, 2021
Researchers found that a large earthquake could set off the eruption of Hawaii's Mauna Loa volcano by relieving stress from magma influx, generating additional pressure and buoyancy. The study also identified movements along near-horizontal faults under the flanks as essential features of long-term volcano growth.
SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 24, 2021
New data on Anak Krakatau volcano flank collapse provides a clearer picture of the event, which triggered a devastating tsunami in Indonesia. The research used synthetic aperture radar images, field observations, and aerial photographs to create a more accurate model of the volcano before and after it collapsed.
SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 17, 2021
Researchers at HI-SEAS analog lunar habitat in Hawaii use spacesuits to explore lava tubes, mimicking conditions on the moon and Mars. The study aims to improve methods and suits for future astrobiology research.
Research reveals that submarine volcanic eruptions can release massive amounts of energy, enough to power the whole US, by forming megaplumes and dispersing ash. The study suggests that these eruptions lead to rapid emptying of hot fluid reservoirs within the earth's crust.
SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 21, 2021
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
Researchers have gained new insights into volcanic behavior and can now track unrest before eruptions, enabling early warnings for local authorities and the public. The study provides a detailed description of Sierra Negra's 2018 eruption, capturing its inflation, fracture, and caldera resurgence.
SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 17, 2021
Researchers have discovered surprisingly shallow magma pools too small to be detected by common volcano monitoring equipment, posing new risks for eruptions. These hidden magma bodies challenge conventional views of magma detection and may lead to more explosive eruptions than expected.
SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateApr 16, 2021
Scientists have identified an early indicator of magma viscosity that can be measured before a volcanic eruption, enabling them to forecast the potential danger. This discovery, published in Nature, could lead to more accurate assessments of volcano behavior and improved emergency response strategies.
SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateApr 7, 2021
An international team of researchers has discovered a new type of basalt beneath the Pacific Ocean, which was formed during large and exceptionally hot volcanic eruptions. The discovery suggests that ocean floor eruptions sourced in the Earth's mantle were even hotter and more voluminous than previously thought.
SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 22, 2021
The HAWC Observatory has detected photons with energies of up to 200 TeV, a hundred trillion times greater than visible light. The source of these high-energy photons was identified as a nearby cloud of interstellar material surrounding a young star cluster.
SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 18, 2021
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
Researchers at North Carolina State University conducted a pilot study to model ferrovolcanism, the predicted manifestation of planetary volcanism on metallic worlds. They found that metallic lava flows travel 10 times faster and spread more thinly than rocky flows, creating braided channels with smooth, thin layers.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 17, 2021
A new study suggests that volcano alerts issued during long periods of volcanic unrest can decline housing prices and other economic indicators. The greatest exception was Mount St. Helens, where volcano tourism and proximity to Portland may have mitigated the impact.
SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·JournalRisk Analysis·DateMar 16, 2021
Researchers discover that thermal unrest can occur for several years before an eruption, allowing for early warning signs. The study used satellite data to analyze the radiant temperature of volcanoes' flanks, revealing a clear correlation with impending eruptions.
SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 11, 2021
The Cygnus Cocoon is found to be the most powerful of our galaxy's known natural particle accelerators, with photons recorded from energies up to one hundred teraelectronvolts. The HAWC observatory detected this phenomenon, suggesting that protons accelerated in stellar winds could be responsible for high-energy gamma photon emission.
SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMar 11, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers studied CO2 fluxes at East Lake in Newberry Volcano, Oregon, and found that the lake's ecosystem is driven by its volcanic inputs. The study suggests that variations in CO2 flux can be used for volcano monitoring, and that East Lake is unlikely to experience catastrophic gas releases.
SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateMar 5, 2021
Researchers studied ash from volcanic eruptions, discovering premature sedimentation and the rafting effect. These findings will refine forecasting models used by VAACs to predict volcanic ash clouds' impact on aircraft routes.
SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 3, 2021
Researchers describe unprecedented level of detail on Sierra Negra's eruption, shedding light on volcano behavior and predicting future hazards. The study combines data from instruments and chemical analysis to better understand caldera resurgence and earthquake triggers.
SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 2, 2021
A new study reveals details of Sierra Negra's eruption, filling gaps in scientists' understanding of volcanic processes. The research integrated geophysical data with chemical analysis of the erupted lava, capturing a unique dataset that provides insight into future eruptions.
SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 2, 2021
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
Scientists captured data over 13 years as the volcano's magma chamber gradually refilled, stressing the surrounding crust and creating earthquakes. The study provides new insights into the Galapagos Islands' most active volcano, Sierra Negra, and its caldera resurgence.
SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 2, 2021
The 2018 Kilauea eruption highlights the intersection of physical and social phenomena, with rapid population growth in at-risk areas leading to increased development and land value. This study assesses trends in population growth and median land cost in Pāhoa-Kalapana, Hilo, and Puna districts.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 25, 2021
Researchers have developed a method to detect flank instability in volcanoes using satellite images, revealing surface deformation related to flank motion at Pacaya volcano. The technique provides finer detail of volcanic flank motion and can reveal upticks in the rate that creep is occurring.
SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research·DateJan 26, 2021
A team of researchers rediscovered a species of mouse thought to be extinct after Mount Pinatubo's devastating eruption 30 years ago. The survey revealed that native rodents were abundant and thriving in the disturbed landscape, contradicting expectations.
SourceField Museum·JournalThe Philippine journal of science·DateJan 22, 2021
Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis have discovered that Kamchatka's Shiveluch volcano contains around 10%-14% water by weight, a significantly higher amount than most volcanoes. This finding is significant as it could provide insights into the global water cycle and the plumbing systems of other volcanoes.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalContributions to Mineralogy and Petrology·DateJan 22, 2021
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
Researchers analyzed tree rings in Alaska to understand the climate's response to the 1783 Laki Volcano eruption. They found that tree growth stopped suddenly after the eruption, suggesting a sudden cooling at the end of the growing season.
Scientists discover nearly 300 novel microbial species near a deep-sea volcano, revealing new insights into their extreme environment. Researchers also develop self-healing elastomers with unprecedented adhesion strength, and create a flood mapping tool to visualize water spread for any scenario and terrain.
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 19, 2021
Researchers reconstruct ancient Sunset Crater eruption, revealing high-explosivity phase with ash reaching 20km high. The study highlights the importance of carbon dioxide in volcanic eruptions and its potential impact on global climate.
SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 11, 2021
Scientists have created a new numerical model to estimate the dimensions of umbrella clouds contributing to volcanic ash deposits. This tool helps understand past large explosive eruptions and improve forecast of future events. The research was applied to the 2,500-year-old eruption of Pululagua volcano in Ecuador.
SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateJan 4, 2021
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
During the 2018 eruption of K?lauea Volcano, Hawaiian researchers leveraged pre-assembled stations with virtual machines to continue monitoring data despite instrument destruction and network failures. This enabled quick deployment and rerouting of data to scientists and decision-makers.
SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateDec 9, 2020
By analyzing crystal orientations from a 1959 Kilauea eruption, researchers inferred magma flow patterns prior to eruption, shedding light on past and potential future eruptions. The study's findings offer new insights into conduit dynamics, aiding in hazard prediction and monitoring.
SourceStanford University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 4, 2020
Researchers suggest a cluster of Alaskan islands may be part of a single, undiscovered giant volcano, with implications for understanding caldera-forming eruptions and the frequent explosive activity at Mount Cleveland. The proposed caldera would be even larger than Okmok and could have had significant global effects.
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.
SourcePortland State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2020
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
A recent study reconstructed the geologic events leading to the 2018 Kīlauea eruption, revealing a sequence of cascading events that drove major destruction. The research team found that focusing on broader, longer history can help overcome tunnel vision and improve eruption forecasting.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 23, 2020
Researchers have used powerful seismic imaging techniques to study the Alaska coastline's volcanic activity, revealing unexpected details about tectonic plates and volcano distribution. The new research highlights complexities in subduction zones and how they control volcano formation.
Researchers at St Petersburg State University have discovered a new mineral called petrovite with unique properties that make it promising for use in sodium ion batteries. The mineral's structural type is suitable for ionic conductivity, which could lead to the development of more efficient cathode materials.
SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalMineralogical Magazine·DateNov 16, 2020
A new primate species, the Popa langur, has been discovered in central Myanmar, with only 200-250 individuals remaining due to habitat loss and hunting. Genetic analysis reveals it separated from known species around 1 million years ago.
SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalZoological Research·DateNov 10, 2020
A new method using zircon crystals reveals that up to 350 km3 of magma are stored below Nevado de Toluca volcano, potentially leading to devastating eruptions. This technique provides a resolution two times higher than existing methods and is applicable to most types of volcanoes.
SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 5, 2020
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
A volcanic province in the Indian Ocean was the world's most continuously active supervolcanoes, erupting for 30 million years, fueled by a constantly moving magma conveyor belt. This allowed for an enormous accumulation of volcanic rocks, equivalent to filling up 184,000 Olympic-size swimming pools with lava every year.
A team of researchers used specially-adapted drones to collect gas samples from Manam volcano in Papua New Guinea, enabling local communities to better predict future eruptions. The project also improved scientists' understanding of the Earth's carbon cycle and its contribution to sustaining life on Earth.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 30, 2020
Researchers have developed a new drone technology that combines measurements from the air, earth and space to better understand highly active volcanoes. This allows for more accurate forecasting of future eruptions and provides insights into the global carbon cycle.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 30, 2020
Researchers from Italy's INGV and University of Bristol create historical catalog to estimate frequency of violent explosive events and investigate temporal recurrence relationship between eruptions. The study suggests a 50% probability of another paroxysm within 12 months after a previous explosion.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 28, 2020
A three-year $591,000 NSF grant will help geoscientist Ben Gill solve the riddle of the Triassic mass-extinction event. The study aims to determine the longer-term timeline of changes in life and environment before and after the extinction, as well as assess the role of oxygen content changes in the oceans.
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
Researchers at Penn State used deep learning to clear up noise in radar satellite data, enabling near real-time observation of volcanic movements. The system can build an accurate picture of the land and its movements, spotting potential warning signs like sudden land shifts.
Researchers at Monash University have discovered how volcanoes experience stress, which can lead to collapse and eruptions. By studying a dormant volcano on La Palma, the team found that repeated movement of magma inside the volcano causes it to become 'stressed' and potentially unstable.
SourceMonash University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 15, 2020