A team of researchers has applied their model to the emergence of Southeast Asia, finding that volcanic rock provinces in the tropics are a major factor in determining CO2 levels. This discovery sheds light on our current climate crisis and provides insights into how geological processes can help mitigate its effects.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2020
Researchers pinpointed the date of the Ilopango volcano's Tierra Blanca Joven eruption, identifying its impacts on climate and society. The eruption is believed to have cooled the atmosphere by 0.5 °C for a few years, with effects largely limited to the local region.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2020
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.
SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 24, 2020
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.
Large volcanic eruptions improve monsoon predictability by synchronizing with El Niño events, making it easier to anticipate seasonal rainfall in India. This finding helps develop climate models and assess regional implications of geo-engineering experiments.
SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 18, 2020
A new study finds that massive volcanism sent great waves of carbon into the oceans thousands of years ago, but human emissions are now three to eight times faster. The consequences for life on land and in the water could be catastrophic.
SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 14, 2020
A massive pyrocumulonimbus cloud formed over the Creek Fire in California's Sierra National Forest, with NASA's Suomi NPP satellite capturing its rapid spread. The fire has grown to over 135,000 acres, with hot and dry conditions fueling its expansion.
Researchers have discovered that pumice rafts are delivering a surge of new coral and reef-building organisms to the Great Barrier Reef, boosting its health. The rafts, formed when frothy magma cools rapidly, carry a diverse array of marine life across thousands of kilometers.
SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Earth Science·DateAug 19, 2020
D. Sarah Stamps will investigate volcano-tectonic interactions during early phase continental rifting at the Natron Rift in Tanzania using GPS and geochemical data. She aims to fill knowledge gaps and advance understanding of volcanic eruptive processes and early phase continental rifting.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A team of scientists installed an optical seismometer on La Soufrière de Guadeloupe volcano's summit to monitor gas and steam eruptions. The instrument collects data that will be combined with other observations to better understand the volcano's explosive potential.
SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateAug 5, 2020
Researchers found that carbonate-rich molten rock can alter the physical properties of rocks, affecting seismic waves. The study provides new insights into the elasticity, density, and compressibility of these rocks, potentially revealing a substantial carbon reservoir in the Earth's deep upper mantle.
SourceFlorida State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2020
Researchers discovered evidence of massive volcanic eruptions in Central Texas that caused global cooling 13,000 years ago. The study indicates that the Younger Dryas cooling event was not caused by an extraterrestrial impact but rather a combination of Earth-based processes.
SourceBaylor University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 31, 2020
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.
SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 31, 2020
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
Researchers discovered chemically diverse magmas beneath Galapagos volcanoes, which could become mobile and lead to unexpected explosive eruptions. The findings challenge the long-held assumption that volcanoes producing consistent basaltic lava flows are stable.
SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2020
A study published in PNAS reveals a significant economic downturn in the Byzantine Empire's arid Negev desert during a pandemic in the mid-6th century CE. The research analyzed seeds found in ancient trash mounds, including grape pips, which show a high frequency, suggesting an increase in viticulture and wine export.
SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2020
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 the University of Maryland have discovered 37 recently active volcanic structures on Venus, suggesting the planet's interior is still churning. The study provides evidence that Venus is no longer a dormant planet and may hold clues to its geological development.
SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 20, 2020
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have found evidence suggesting that a megaeruption of an Alaskan volcano, Okmok, may be responsible for widespread climate change in ancient Rome and Egypt. The eruption is believed to have occurred around 43 BCE, causing temperatures to drop by as much as seven degrees Celsius.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2020
A new study published in Nature Astronomy sheds light on the origin of carbon in the Milky Way, revealing that dying stars play a crucial role in its synthesis. The research team found that low-mass stars shed more massive remnants than previously thought, breaking a linear trend in star formation and planetary evolution.
SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJul 6, 2020
An international research group has demonstrated a mechanism for explosive disintegration of magma under water pressure. The team used a diving robot to examine ash deposits on the seabed and conducted experiments in a laboratory setting, revealing processes similar to those that occurred at a depth of 1,000 meters on the sea floor.
SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 29, 2020
Researchers used 3D magnetotelluric imaging to image magma reservoirs beneath Weishan volcano, revealing vertically distributed low-resistivity anomalies and melt fractions of over 15%. The findings suggest the volcano is in an active stage with potential for future eruptions.
SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalGeology·DateJun 28, 2020
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 team of scientists and historians found evidence connecting an ancient period of extreme cold in Rome with a massive eruption of Alaska's Okmok volcano in 43 BCE. The study used ice core samples to link the eruption to the caldera-forming event, which had significant impacts on climate and history.
SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2020
A massive volcanic eruption in 43 BCE, linked to the Okmok volcano in Alaska, may have contributed to the unusual climate events that coincided with the fall of the Roman Republic. The eruption produced two years of prolonged cooling and increased precipitation, likely exacerbating crop failures, famine, and disease.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2020
Researchers warn that a violent Philippine volcanic eruption could lead to an El Niño event, intense polar vortex, and Eurasian warming. The Taal volcano's ongoing eruption has the potential to produce hazardous consequences for the Earth's climate.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 2, 2020
A recent study reveals that volcanic eruptions in the tropics lead to a decrease in global precipitation, primarily through the amplification of El Niño. The research found that the strength of El Niño is directly related to the magnitude of precipitation reduction.
SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 27, 2020
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
Researchers used drones to create centimeter-resolution 3D models of a volcano in Guatemala, revealing slow expansion and fast extrusion of viscous lava. The study provides new possibilities for measuring ground movements and predicting volcanic danger.
SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 25, 2020
Researchers have identified the largest and hottest shield volcano on Earth as Pūhāhonu, which is nearly twice as big as Mauna Loa. The study reveals that hotspots can undergo pulses of melt production, rewriting the textbooks on mantle plumes.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateMay 14, 2020
Researchers analyzed volcanic samples from Santorini and Aegina to understand why they have different eruption styles. The study found that the islands' locations on the Aegean microplate led to varying lava mix recipes, resulting in calderas versus lava domes.
SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalLithos·DateMay 9, 2020
Researchers from Uppsala University discovered that hot magma from inside the Earth is forcing its way into a giant reservoir, keeping the Andean supervolcano alive. The study provides new insights into how large volcanoes work and could help increase chances of survival in case of a future eruption.
SourceUppsala University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 2020
Researchers linked prolonged, heavy rainfall in May 2018 to the Kīlauea eruption, which was characterized by intense activity, lava flows, and ash clouds. The study suggests that water content changes in the Earth's shallow crust can trigger eruptions.
SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2020
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 at the University of Miami found that prolonged and extreme rainfall in Hawaii's Big Island triggered the 2018 Kīlauea volcano eruption. The team suggests local rainfall patterns contribute to timing and frequency of eruptions, with potential implications for other volcanoes.
SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2020
Researchers have developed a new tool to predict volcanic eruptions by analyzing the composition of gases in the atmosphere. The tool uses precise measurements to identify the contribution of the atmosphere and Earth's mantle to these gases, allowing for more accurate predictions of future eruptions.
A study employing two approaches has accurately dated a collection of wooden timbers from the East Mediterranean using radiocarbon measurements and tree-ring associations. This precise chronology can support archaeological records and provide valuable insights into climate fluctuations during the Bronze and Iron Ages.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020
Researchers at the University of Arizona Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research used a hybrid approach to assign calendar dates to tree rings, potentially pinning down the Thera volcano eruption date. The study spans over 2,000 years and provides context for civilizations in the Bronze and Iron Ages.
SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
A 600-year study of lava flows on Réunion Island reveals a significant decline in large frugivore species after human colonization, leading to reduced plant diversity. The findings suggest that rewilding projects could help restore native frugivores and promote ecosystem recovery.
SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateFeb 25, 2020
Researchers at the University of Exeter have found that Tungurahua volcano in Ecuador is showing early warning signals of a potential collapse. The volcano's western flank is displaying rapid deformation, which could lead to a colossal landslide and widespread damage to the surrounding area.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateFeb 18, 2020
A new technique uses seismic waves from distant earthquakes to image the subterranean structure of Cleveland volcano. The study, published in Scientific Reports, resolved the architecture of the lower and middle crust for the first time, providing crucial information for emergency planning and saving human lives.
SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 4, 2020
Researchers have discovered a unique CO2 hotspot in the ocean, with readings of up to 95,000 parts per million. The site, known as Soda Springs, is being studied for its potential to understand how coral reefs cope with climate change.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 22, 2020
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 have observed processes in the upper mantle before a new submarine volcano formed off the Comoros island. The team reconstructed the partial emptying of a large magma reservoir and identified a dramatic movement of molten rocks before the eruption.
SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 6, 2020
A new test developed by Northwestern University can detect high levels of fluoride in drinking water, exceeding EPA standards. The test is inexpensive, easy to use, and requires no scientific expertise, making it a potential solution for communities with naturally high fluoride levels.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateDec 16, 2019
Researchers at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel identify Volcano F as the origin of a large pumice raft drifting towards Australia. The team used satellite images and seismic data to confirm the connection between the volcano and the floating rocks.
SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalJournal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research·DateDec 9, 2019
Researchers have discovered a new petit-spot volcano in the Pacific Ocean near Minamitorishima Island, Japan. The young volcano is thought to have erupted less than 3 million years ago and provides valuable insights into the asthenosphere.
A new study found that lower elevation Silversword plants are less drought-resistant than higher elevation plants, leading to increased mortality rates. The researchers suggest using suitable habitats for the plants in a changing climate rather than breeding them with drought-resistant genes.
SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Monographs·DateDec 4, 2019
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.
A new study assesses the lava flow risk on Mt. Etna's flanks, highlighting high-risk areas near populated regions and critical infrastructure. The researchers used a GIS-based approach to map hazard, exposure, and risk, revealing that effusive eruptions could harm people, properties, and services.
SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateNov 25, 2019
Marine researchers investigated adaptability of marine organisms to highly acidified seawater after earthquake and typhoon hit a volcanic island. Organisms were able to adapt to changes in biogeochemistry, providing insights into effects of ocean acidification on marine communities.
SourceKiel University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 21, 2019
Scientists from Technical University of Munich found that the plug dome's permeability drops significantly as stone alteration increases, leading to an imminent eruption. This discovery enables more reliable prediction of volcanic eruptions, with reduced outgassing being a key indicator of an impending event.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 15, 2019
Researchers found that increased mercury levels in the environment contributed to the mass extinction of three out of four species on Earth 201 million years ago. The study suggests a cocktail effect of CO2, global warming, and toxic substances like mercury, challenging the traditional theory of greenhouse gas-induced climate change.
SourceAarhus University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 28, 2019
Researchers used plasma physics to study how volcanic ash modifies standing shock wave height, width, and lifetime. This discovery enables the tracking of standing shock waves in laboratory experiments, potentially leading to improved ash estimates and early predictions of hazardous plumes.
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
Researchers at GFZ Potsdam identified clear warning signs before the Anak Krakatau volcano's flank collapse, which triggered a deadly tsunami. The study analyzed data from various sources, including satellites and seismic data, to better understand the event and improve early warning systems for other volcanoes.
SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 1, 2019
A team of researchers has developed a new volcano eruption forecasting technique using the Kalman filtering method, which captures the unique unrest patterns of the Okmok volcano in Alaska. The study reveals that past eruptions are key to understanding the likelihood of future volcanic activity.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 10, 2019
A study found that Kīlauea's 2018 eruption injected millions of cubic feet of molten lava into nutrient-poor waters, stimulating an extensive plume of microbes. The bloom was driven by high concentrations of nitrate, brought to the surface ocean through heat from lava input.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalScience·DateSep 5, 2019
A 2018 Kilauea eruption led to an unusual algae super bloom that stretched for miles, fueled by the perfect cocktail of nutrients from the ocean, including nitrate, silicic acid, iron, and phosphate. The bloom, which was hundreds of miles wide, was an unexpected outcome of the volcanic event.
SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience·DateSep 5, 2019
A rapid-response oceanographic expedition studied the Kilauea Volcano's impact on marine ecosystems. High concentrations of nitrate in seawater triggered a strong phytoplankton bloom, contrary to expectations that lava would contain little nitrogen.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 5, 2019
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.
Researchers reconstructed the Anak Krakatau flank collapse using satellite remote sensing data, finding it was triggered by a relatively small landslide. The study shows that the collapse changed the eruption style, leading to a more explosive and destructive event.
SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateAug 30, 2019
Rice University researchers have developed a new fluid dynamic model that allows scientists to predict when an eruption will transition from spattering to flowing lava. This tool could help emergency officials prepare for potential hazards by providing early warnings of changing behavior.
SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 30, 2019
A 900-mile stretch of volcanoes in the Pacific Ring of Fire became dormant for 10 million years due to a prominent bend in the Hawaiian Islands chain and a crack in the Pacific Ocean Plate. The crack, formed by opposing plates moving in opposite directions, disrupted the water-laden conveyor belt that drives volcanic activity.
Researchers have discovered a connection between earthquakes and volcanic eruptions at Mount Aso in Japan. By analyzing very long period seismic waves, they found that earthquakes can trigger changes in pressure variations associated with magmatic activity, leading to eruptions.
SourceKyushu University, I2CNER·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 22, 2019
Scientists studied a massive wildfire smoke plume that lasted for nearly nine months, providing an ideal opportunity to test climate models. The findings show that black carbon was key to the plume's rapid rise and persistence, challenging previous nuclear winter studies.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience·DateAug 8, 2019
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 new study investigates the climate effects of aerosol particles in a geophysical paper. The authors found that both geoengineering and volcanic eruptions decrease surface temperatures with land cooling faster than the ocean.
SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 5, 2019
Researchers developed a new method to predict vent location forecasts by combining physics and statistics, successfully testing it on the Campi Flegrei caldera in Italy. The approach improves accuracy for predicting future eruptions and expanding ash plumes, providing valuable insights for land usage planning in volcanic areas.
SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 31, 2019
A NASA team has built a miniaturized aerosol-detecting instrument called MASTAR to measure airborne particles comprehensively. The instrument will be flown on a high-altitude balloon and later on a constellation of small CubeSats, providing global measurements that can help mitigate climate change and improve human health.