Researchers at Caltech simulated earthquakes in a lab to measure dynamic friction and its impact on seismic events. They found that slip velocity is the key factor in dynamic friction, contradicting previous assumptions.
Researchers found that human-induced and naturally occurring earthquakes in the central US share the same shaking potential, causing similar damage. The study used seismic data from 39 earthquakes, concluding that stress drop values of induced and natural earthquakes are identical.
New research reveals that Arctic sea ice loss can play an active role in altering the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a major water circulation system. The study found that a 30-50% loss of AMOC strength due to Arctic sea ice loss could accelerate its collapse.
A University of Alaska Fairbanks study reveals that shifting sediments drive the cyclic nature of tidewater glaciers in temperate climates. The model also shows that these glaciers don't need warming periods to trigger their retreats.
Using infrared satellite data, researchers have successfully predicted the end of lava flow-forming eruptions. The system detects heat emissions from erupting volcanoes and analyzes them to determine when the eruption will end. This approach has significant implications for reducing disturbance caused by volcanic eruptions.
A University of Oklahoma study reveals the complex relationship between wastewater injection and seismicity in Oklahoma. The research found that foreshocks correlated with wastewater injection rates and stress interactions between earthquakes, ultimately leading to the September 3, 2016, 5.8 magnitude earthquake near Pawnee, Oklahoma.
New research on Titan's lakes reveals that most waves reach only about 1 centimeter high, making it a serene environment suitable for safe landing of future probes. The study suggests that the winds are likely low, with patches of smooth and rough surfaces detected.
Researchers studied 2,000-year-old Roman concrete using X-rays and electron microscopy, discovering a natural chemistry that strengthens the material over time. The findings suggest a recipe for modern concrete with less environmental impact could be inspired by the ancient Romans' use of volcanic ash, lime, and seawater.
A team of scientists has documented early, permanent human settlement in the Andes dating back to around 8,000 years ago. The findings suggest that hunter-gatherers adapted to high-elevation life and survived year-round despite harsh conditions.
A team of scientists discovered a previously undetected health risk from volcanic plumes, finding that certain fine particles can penetrate deep into lungs, exacerbating asthma attacks. The study recommends considering both young and mature plumes when forecasting air pollution and dispersion.
A devastating combination of El Niño and global warming led to extreme temperatures in April 2016 in Southeast Asia, breaking all previous records. Long-term warming has played an increasing role in rising April temperatures, exacerbating energy consumption, crop production disruptions, and human discomfort.
Phytolith dating suggests rice domestication occurred at Shangshan in China around 9,400 cal yr BP, or possibly earlier. The study found that rice bulliform phytoliths with more than nine fish scales were present in early occupation stages, indicating the beginning of rice domestication.
The Royal Astronomical Society has funded five public engagement projects to promote astronomy and space science, including tactile stargazing for blind people and adventures in space for girls. The projects aim to increase interest and participation in these fields, particularly among underrepresented groups.
Researchers used deep geophysical exploration and seismic tomography to study the deep tectonic environment of strong earthquakes in North China. Key findings include a complex tectonic setting with a listric normal fault and high-angle deep fault, and a low-velocity anomaly in the middle-lower crust
Researchers found that the closure of Union Pacific railway culverts led to a 88% decrease in methylmercury levels in the lake's deep brine layer and sediments. However, waterfowl carcasses showed no significant change in mercury levels, indicating that the source of methylmercury in wetlands remains unknown.
Researchers have discovered and characterized 82 massive binary star systems in the Tarantula Nebula, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way. The study provides new insights into the properties of these systems, which are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the chemical evolution of the universe.
A NASA-funded study has identified four glaciers in West Greenland that are most susceptible to thinning due to their shape. These glaciers, including Rink Isbrae and Jakobshavn Isbrae, have already been losing mass and are expected to contribute significantly to future sea level rise.
Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin identified four glaciers in West Greenland most susceptible to thinning due to their unique shapes. These glaciers, including Jakobshavn Isbræ and Rink Isbræ, are at risk of significant ice mass loss and contribute to future sea-level rise.
Researchers argue that the Little Ice Age was a manageable downturn in climate concentrated in particular regions, with warm summers continuing much as they do today. The study suggests that there is no single explanation for this, and that not all winters were cold.
A study by researchers at the University of Chicago and Yale/Cornell universities found that liberal and conservative readers have distinct preferences for scientific subjects and books, with liberals preferring basic sciences and conservatives favoring applied disciplines.
A new study reveals that much of Honolulu and Waikiki is at risk of groundwater inundation due to sea level rise. Groundwater levels are expected to rise by up to two feet, leading to flooding in the urban core, with 86% of active cesspools likely currently inundated.
Wealth distribution is closely tied to the evolutionary movement of all 'streams' of society, according to the Constructal Law. The law reveals that wealth and fuel use are increasing over time, making inequality a natural phenomenon.
A new study led by University of Wyoming researchers reveals that dust is a crucial factor in mountainous forest ecosystems, dominating nutrient budgets despite continuous erosion. The study found that dust contains plant-essential nutrients like phosphorus, which is more abundant than nutrients from bedrock.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology found that Titan's non-silicate granules become electrically charged when kicked up by wind, causing them to cling together and resist further motion. This property helps explain the formation of large sandy dunes on Titan's surface, which are unlike anything seen on Earth.
Researchers aim to understand Earth's internal evolution through palaeomagnetism, shedding light on the role of the deep mantle in plate tectonics and the planet's magnetic field. The project seeks to answer questions about Earth's geological lifespan and the conditions that shape its surface.
Researchers at Tohoku University used seismic tomography to image the three-dimensional structure of the Earth's interior, shedding new light on the deep Bonin deep earthquake. The study found that the Pacific slab is split and penetrated the lower mantle, with multiple factors contributing to its occurrence.
Researchers discovered five previously unknown active hydrothermal vents and a new vent site, featuring unique creatures thriving in extreme conditions. The vents emit hot water and particles, supporting life forms that rely on chemosynthetic bacteria for food.
Researchers from Yale University and the Centre for Mathematical Sciences created a mathematical framework to explain phenomena where climate processes interact with daily weather. This new framework helps understand how seasonal variability affects predictability and public safety.
A new software tool calculates the probability of triggering manmade earthquakes from wastewater injection and oil gas production activities. The Fault Slip Potential (FSP) tool identifies at-risk faults, allowing energy companies and regulators to avoid them and implement enhanced monitoring efforts.
Researchers at LSU have found evidence of a complex mantle beneath the Elysium volcanic province on Mars, with geochemical changes suggesting primary magmatic processes. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding Mars' geological history and potential hazards for future human missions.
Researchers improve methods to study Earth's history by addressing bias in data from old rocks. New technique reduces errors, providing more accurate paleointensity measurements.
Scientists have unearthed a 480-million-year-old creature named Calvapilosa, an early offshoot of the line leading to modern coat-of-mail shells or chitons. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of mollusks, which includes squids, octopuses, snails, and clams.
A new study has determined that the first Paleoproterozoic global glaciation and significant step change in atmospheric oxygenation occurred between 2,460 and 2,426 million years ago. The rise of atmospheric oxygen was characterized by significant oscillations before irreversible oxygenation of the atmosphere 2,250 million years ago.
The 2016 Quadrennial Ozone Symposium presented findings on trends of ozone in the stratosphere and troposphere. Emerging techniques for ozone observations were also discussed, as well as effects of ozone on human health and ecosystems.
A Yale University study tracked Ice Age mammals to understand how they impact ecosystems. The research found that even small extinctions can have significant effects on functional diversity.
A new study suggests that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) may not be as stable as previously thought, with changes occurring abruptly in geologic terms. The research predicts a potential collapse of the AMOC system, which could have significant implications for regional and global climate change.
A team of scientists from France has developed a method to visualize ice crystals in three dimensions as they grow, providing new insights into their formation process. By using confocal laser scanning microscopy and image analysis, the researchers can capture rapid images of ice crystals growing and measure their expansion rates.
The DFG is funding 12 projects to develop new instrumentation technologies for basic research. A new X-ray system will be built at the Technical University of Kaiserslautern, enabling researchers to analyze reinforced concrete components in unprecedented detail.
Researchers at Yale University developed a novel approach to detect exoplanets by analyzing signal fluctuations in star spectral intensity. By studying all signal information together, they can refine the search for Earth-like planets and improve traditional methods.
The breakup of supercontinent Pangea led to a significant decrease in oceanic crust thickness, with the oldest crust being about one mile thicker than modern-day crust. This is attributed to the cooling of the Earth's interior and the exposure of deeper mantle to the atmosphere and oceans.
Researchers presented insights from the Curiosity rover's study of Mount Sharp on Mars, which helps reconstruct the geological history of the area. Additionally, they developed a method to distinguish between natural and manmade earthquakes using seismic wave characteristics. Furthermore, scientists observed gamma-ray bursts triggered ...
A recent study by University of Nevada, Reno geophysicists suggests that the Kathmandu region is vulnerable to a more powerful earthquake than the 2015 Gorkha quake. The research indicates that the Himalayan Frontal Fault has reached a stage of strain accumulation prior to a potential major thrust earthquake.
A Martian ice deposit, Utopia Planitia, contains approximately as much water as Lake Superior, spanning over 2,050 miles in diameter. The deposit is estimated to be around 260-560 feet thick, consisting of 50-85% water ice.
An international team of astronomers has imaged the Eta Carinae star system in unprecedented detail, revealing a region where extremely high-velocity stellar winds collide. The observations provide valuable insights into the basic parameters of the binary system and its internal structure.
Hawai'i researchers found that high levels of nutrients in coastal groundwater correlate with reduced reef health and increased algae blooms. This study identifies Kahului Wastewater Reclamation Facility as a major source of pollution, threatening nearshore ecosystems.
Stanford scientists created detailed stress maps to understand earthquake triggers in Texas and Oklahoma, identifying problematic faults and ideal orientations for earthquakes. The maps help predict seismic activity resulting from fluid injection, enabling companies and regulators to avoid these faults and prevent induced earthquakes.
A University of Texas at Austin-led study identifies funnel-shaped depressions on Mars with characteristics suitable for microbial life, including water, heat, and nutrients. The discoveries were made in the Hellas basin crater, where researchers believe volcanic or impact events may have created an environment conducive to life.
A new study by the University of Utah uses radiocarbon dating and genetic analysis to track the origin of seized ivory, revealing that nearly all shipments come from elephants killed in the past three years. This intelligence can help combat illegal animal product trade and inform strategies for protecting elephant populations.
Researchers have discovered a new earthquake hazard in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region, revealing that the Ghazaband fault is accumulating more than half of the relative motion between tectonic plates. This increases the potential for a high-magnitude earthquake and poses a significant threat to cities like Quetta.
A new study by Yale University researcher Jun Korenaga suggests that planets like Earth form through multiple giant impacts, leading to diverse sizes and internal temperatures. This lack of self-regulating mantle convection has significant implications for planetary habitability.
Magma-limestone interaction may help explain why volcanoes like Vesuvius are particularly explosive, as it releases CO2 that contributes to Earth's carbon cycle. The process also triggers extreme behavior in volatile elements, potentially driving eruptions and affecting the planet.
A special issue of Deep Sea Research II explores the global issue of chemical munitions dumped at sea, finding that while some munitions pose little risk to humans, others can have adverse effects on fish populations. International collaboration has shed light on techniques for investigating munitions dumpsites and mitigating damage.
A new computer algorithm enables scientists to use satellite data to determine groundwater levels across larger areas than ever before. The technique, developed at Stanford University, could lead to better models of groundwater flow and monitoring in agricultural regions. The team was able to calculate surface deformations and groundwa...
New Horizons team members used computer models to determine the depth and rate of Pluto's convective cells, which are 10-30 miles across and less than a million years old. These cells help support Pluto's atmosphere by refreshing its surface.
Researchers used ancient granite to understand modern magma chambers, finding uniformity in biotite granite and subtle isotopic variations. The discovery could shed light on the volcanic-plutonic connection at supervolcanoes.
A new study from the University of Utah has dated the Sentinel rock avalanche to 4,800 years ago, estimating its size and dynamics. The landslide created a flat floor for 700 years, covering an area larger than New York City's Central Park with debris.
Researchers have found direct evidence of past changes in the Totten Glacier's glacial history, revealing unstable zones prone to rapid collapse. This study sheds light on the region's vulnerabilities and warns of potential catastrophic consequences for sea level rise.
Earthquakes triggered by human activity have been widespread throughout Texas since the 1920s, according to a new review of evidence. Oil and gas operations are the primary cause, but specific techniques have varied over time.
Researchers have discovered a slow-slip event that lasted two weeks, resulting in 15-20 centimeters of movement along the fault. The finding increases understanding of the relationship between slow slip and normal earthquakes, highlighting the potential for using offshore monitoring systems to predict damaging earthquakes.
Scientists have uncovered a wetland-like environment beneath the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, where Subglacial Lake Whillans is fed by melting ice and small amounts of seawater. The findings provide unique insights into the biogeochemistry and geophysics of subglacial lake systems, which are essential for understanding global sea-level rise.