Scientists used mafic dikes to determine the connection between northern Laurentia (North America) and southern Siberia for over a billion years. The study reveals new arrangements of continental blocks within Nuna-Columbia and Rodinia, with potential economic implications for mining companies.
Researchers from Yale, Oxford, and Imperial College London describe a new species of ancient arthropod that carried its young in capsules tethered to its body. The creature, named Aquilonifer spinosus, lived about 430 million years ago and had unique brooding strategies to protect its eggs and embryos from predators.
The study highlights the importance of time context in diet reconstructions, which can lead to conflicting results. By considering different time scales for dietary proxies, scientists can gain a more accurate understanding of an animal's eating habits.
The cloud-based virtual globe portal offers unprecedented speed and ease of use for visualizing Earth's geological evolution. It features interactive reconstructions of supercontinents and 3D visualizations of seafloor geology, allowing users to explore how the planet has changed over time.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have discovered a direct link between fault activity and water entering the Earth's mantle. The study found that the amount of serpentinite formed at the bottom of each fault is directly proportional to the displacement on that fault.
Scientists from the University of Exeter will lead a four-year €5.4 million project to discover essential raw materials and minerals in Europe. The team aims to use advanced techniques to expose previously unknown underground resources for high-tech products.
Scientists used clam shells to calculate that methane had persisted for approximately a thousand years at a specific site in the Arctic Ocean. This finding provides insight into the duration of ancient methane seeps and their impact on the environment.
Researchers created a paleo-velocity map for Greenland, showing the ice sheet's flow pattern over the past 9,000 years. The study found that the ice sheet's interior is moving more slowly than during most of the Holocene period, while glaciers along the edges are rapidly thinning.
A Syracuse University professor examines the impact of the deep Earth on ice-sheet stability, particularly the East Antarctic Ice Sheet. His research suggests that regions with sub-glacial topography may be more stable today than during past global warming periods.
Scientists have discovered evidence of ancient continental collisions in the Teton Range, dating back 2.68 billion years, providing new insights into the early history of plate tectonics. The study found significant differences in the composition of the ancient crust compared to modern plates.
A new gravity dataset covering 73% of Antarctica has been released, providing geoscientists with a tool to investigate the deep structure of the continent. The dataset will aid in studying subglacial geology, tectonic structures and their impact on ice sheet dynamics.
A new study published in Reviews of Geophysics strongly suggests that early agriculture helped slow a natural cooling process, leading to the warmer climate we experience today. The research, led by William Ruddiman, analyzed ice-core data and ancient pollen samples to find evidence of human impact on the climate.
A new analysis helps consumers choose energy-efficient appliances to save money and water. Meanwhile, a Himalayan glacial lake threatens to flood a Buddhist holy city due to melting ice and rock barriers. Ocean sounds are also being used to measure stratospheric winds with precise data analysis.
A new study by Stanford researchers suggests that earthquakes triggered by human activity follow several indicative patterns that could help scientists distinguish them from naturally occurring temblors. The likelihood of large-magnitude manmade, or "induced," earthquakes increases over time, independent of the previous seismicity rate.
A recent study found that widespread tree mortality from mountain pine beetles can reduce water availability due to increased evaporation, rather than increasing streamflow. This challenges previous assumptions and offers new insights for managing healthier forests that are more resistant to drought.
A Yale-led study suggests that species rarity may be a key indicator of mass extinctions, which could provide an early warning system for the current biotic crisis. The researchers propose that monitoring changes in species and ecosystems can help scientists pinpoint mass extinctions before they become catastrophic.
Walter J. Arabasz received the Frank Press Public Service Award for his public service in modernizing seismic monitoring in the US. He led the development of Utah's regional seismic network and played a key role in informing state seismic safety policies.
A new algorithm called Fingerprint And Similarity Thresholding (FAST) can identify previously overlooked microquakes in large databases of ground motion measurements, potentially helping predict larger quakes. By comparing seismic wave patterns, FAST finds weakly recorded earthquakes faster than conventional methods.
Erosion caused by glaciation during ice ages can wear down mountains faster than plate tectonics can build them, according to a new study. The research, conducted over more than a decade, revealed that erosion rates accelerated sharply about 1 million years ago when global climate cooling triggered stronger and more persistent ice ages.
Scientists have observed unusual seismic wave speeds that suggest the frozen olivine structure within the flat-slab slab has vanished and been replaced by a new unexpected structure. This implies that slabs are weak enough to deform internally in the upper mantle over time.
A University of Oklahoma-led study reveals that vast amounts of iron-rich dust deposits from 300 million years ago had a significant impact on ecosystem fertilization and atmospheric carbon levels. The research offers insights into the potential consequences of geoengineering schemes to control climate change.
MIT researchers developed a new algorithm that reduces computation time for complex models by 200 times, using probability distributions and relevant data. The 'shrinking bull's-eye' algorithm can apply to various fields, including engineering, geophysics, and subsurface modeling.
Yingcai Zheng, an assistant professor at the University of Houston, has received the 2015 J. Clarence Karcher Award for his significant contributions to exploration geophysics. His research focuses on characterizing fractured reservoirs, a key area of study in the field.
Researchers found that cold, steep slopes produce coarser sediment than gentle slopes, suggesting variations in climate, topography, and weathering rates shape mountain landscapes. This discovery quantifies the relationship between sediment size and erosion rates, providing new insights into the interplay of climate and tectonics.
Researchers propose that mantle plumes played a crucial role in initiating plate tectonics on Earth. Computer simulations suggest that plume-induced weaknesses in the lithosphere could have led to the formation of subduction zones and the emergence of modern plate boundaries. The study provides a possible explanation for the early hist...
A team of scientists has found evidence of iron-rich dust from 300 million years ago, which suggests that atmospheric dust acted as a fertilizer for life. The discovery provides new insights into the biogeochemical impacts of iron on the oceans and the climate system during the late Paleozoic era.
A new study suggests that geophysical elements, such as the West Antarctic Ice Sheet's gravitational pull and the mantle's fluid nature, can slow its retreat. This could lead to a less drastic rise in global sea levels than previously predicted.
A new study at MIT applies the fracture mechanics theory of local symmetry to predict river network evolution. The research found that rivers grow in a direction consistent with symmetry, driven by groundwater pressure and water table height.
Scientists estimate volume of open pore space in subsurface using geophysical surveys and computer models, revealing new theoretical framework for understanding watershed porosity. The study predicts distribution of pore space based on stress in the earth's crust, with implications for streamflow, aquifer systems, and landscape evolution.
A team of researchers from Caltech and the University of Cambridge discovered that booming and burping sounds emanating from sand dunes are different acoustic phenomena governed by distinct physical principles. The study found that booming sounds originate from linear P-waves, while burping sounds correspond to surface Rayleigh waves.
Researchers at the University of Washington found bubble plumes off the coast of Washington and Oregon, suggesting that warmer ocean temperatures are releasing frozen methane. This process could contribute to climate change by amplifying environmental changes already impacting local biology and fisheries.
A new method developed by Penn researchers can quantify the transport distance of river pebbles from their shape alone, providing evidence for an extensive river system on Mars. The study suggests that Martian pebbles traveled around 30 miles from their source, offering insights into the planet's geological history and potential for life.
A new study suggests that large fires will continue to increase as a result of climate warming, citing evidence from charcoal deposits in lakes near Mount Zirkel Wilderness in northern Colorado. The research found that even modest regional warming trends can cause exceptionally large areas to be burned by wildfires.
Scientists have discovered a previously unknown process of warm Gulf Stream water and continental shelf exchange. Researchers also explored the effects of Saturn's magnetospheric dynamics on Titan's ionosphere.
A new study from York University found that Arctic sea ice in the Northwest Passage remains too thick to support regular commercial shipping. The research measured ice thickness using an airplane equipped with a sounder and surveyed the ice in April and May of 2011 and again in 2015.
Researchers used a gel-like substance called Carbopol to study the resistance of rock formations in the middle crust to fracturing. The study provides insight into how large earthquakes and slower moving events interact, with potential implications for predicting seismic activity.
A mathematical analytical tool developed by University of Cincinnati scientists can predict strontium ratios in surface water, soil, vegetation, fish, and mammal skeletal tissues with high accuracy. The tool is most successful when applied to mammals, making it a valuable tool for ecological and paleoecological research.
Scientists have discovered a 'bucket brigade' that brings liquid to Titan's north pole, creating lakes and seas. Meanwhile, NASA's Kepler telescope has opened up possibilities for exoplanet studies. Research also explores abrupt shifts in phenology and vegetation productivity under climate extremes.
Researchers translate microscopic concepts to study polar sea ice, capturing dynamic forces with a tractable equation. The new approach opens up climate science to nonequilibrium statistical mechanics methods, solving the long-standing challenge of measuring sea ice volume.
New insights into Mercury's movements and interactions with the solar system reveal its unique composition. Researchers reevaluate New Zealand's Alpine Fault after seismic data showed it becomes flatter at depth, providing new information for geological studies.
Researchers identify two gold belts in the NCC, with gold mineralization linked to mantle-derived melts and fluids. The discovery of decratonic gold deposits has significant implications for understanding gold formation and exploring new large gold concentrations.
Researchers have found that a 12,000-year-old climate shift in northern latitudes occurred rapidly, while equatorial regions took hundreds of years to respond. This discovery can help scientists understand the relationship between temperature and precipitation in the face of climate change.
Researchers have discovered a way to manage high water tables to boost crop yields, while 3D maps reveal the formation of the Hangai Dome in Mongolia. New satellite radar technology provides precise wind speed maps for coastal communities to prepare for wind-related hazards.
The Antineutrino Global Map 2015 offers new insights into the Earth's interior and reveals information about the planet's heat sources and geodynamics. The map provides a new tool for basic science research and nuclear nonproliferation efforts.
Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin pioneered a new technique to track subglacial discharge in tidewater glaciers. This method is essential for understanding how glaciers are melting and changing due to climate shifts.
The Royal Tyrrell Museum's 30-year anniversary is celebrated with a special edition of Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, featuring research papers on Alberta's geology and palaeontology. The journal recognizes the museum's contributions to understanding life on Earth.
A study found that most major mammal groups in Africa tried grazing on grass around 2 million years ago, but some animals switched to browsing trees and shrubs or became extinct. The bovids, including cattle and antelopes, are the only group still mostly grazing on grass today.
Researchers from MIT and WHOI have developed a simple way to predict a river delta's shape, influenced by its river's sediment flux and ocean waves' strength. The new metric can help engineers determine how engineered structures like dams and levees may affect the coastline of a river delta.
The Geological Society of America recognized James W. Head, Jerry X. Mitrovica, Brandon Schmandt, and others for their groundbreaking contributions to geology. The GSA also honored individuals for their public service, outstanding achievements in science, and dedication to the profession.
The University of Wyoming will receive a new borehole nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) instrument to measure aquifer levels, enhancing its subsurface hydrology research capabilities. The Javelin device, developed by Vista Clara Inc., will visualize water storage and changes in aquifers.
Researchers found a connection between climate and airline flight times, suggesting a feedback loop between carbon emissions and warming climate. The study suggests that climate variability determines flight times, with faster winds resulting in shorter flights and increased fuel consumption.
Researchers found evidence of six large earthquakes in western Solomon Islands over the past 3,000 years, including five that were as large or larger than a devastating 2007 earthquake. The study used corals to analyze seismic events and provide insight into the relationship between earthquakes and long-term geological processes.
Researchers discovered methane in six Martian meteorites, similar to the Martian atmosphere's composition. This finding suggests that methane could be used as a food source by rudimentary forms of life on Mars.
The Stanford University's Natural Gas Initiative aims to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and boost economies through the responsible development of natural gas. The program will fund interdisciplinary research in six key areas, including resource development, environmental impacts, and policy reform.
A study published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters reveals new insights into the Earth's early core by analyzing the magnetic signatures of mineral grains in ancient rocks. The findings, led by Michigan Tech geophysicist Aleksey Smirnov, shed light on the planet's mysterious past.
Researchers found that Greenland's inland lakes are unlikely to drain rapidly and exacerbate sea-level rise. Instead, they will likely drain through surface stream runoff, transferring water to coastal areas of the ice sheet.
A NASA spacecraft will use radar equipment developed in Antarctica to scan Europa for potential water plumes and habitable conditions, driven by evidence of an ocean beneath the thick ice cover.
Dr. Hiroo Kanamori received the Marcus Milling Legendary Geoscientist Medal for his pioneering discoveries in understanding large earthquakes and developing scaling relations between earthquake parameters. His work has allowed geoscientists to better predict tsunami-prone communities.
Researchers have discovered a 425-million-year-old fossil of an ancient tongue worm parasite, providing significant insights into the origins of parasitism. The new species, Invavita piratica, is remarkably well-preserved and has been found attached to its host animal, an ostracod, in Herefordshire, England.
Researchers from Yale University have reconstructed the ancestral snake's body plan, revealing a nocturnal, stealth-hunting predator with complete ankles and toes. The study sheds light on the origin of snakes, which originated around 128.5 million years ago during the Early Cretaceous period.