ASU scientists develop technique using zircon crystals to trace pulses of heat inside a volcano, which may help better predict risk. The new findings suggest that heat pulses before an eruption both begin and end more abruptly than previously thought.
SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 2017
Scientists have found that magma reservoirs are less liquid and more crystalline than previously thought, with most crystals retaining their structure for tens of thousands of years before being exposed to molten magma. This discovery could help predict when volcanoes pose the greatest risk by identifying those with mobile magma.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 2017
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.
Research finds magma is more solid than liquid, with crystalline and mushy states existing simultaneously. The discovery could help predict volcano risks by identifying mobile magma.
SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 2017
Scientists studied zircon crystals to understand magma reservoirs, finding a more solid and crystalline environment than previously thought. The research sheds light on the pre-eruption phase and how mobile magma contributes to volcanic activity.
SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 2017
Researchers analyzed zircon crystals in Taupo Volcanic Zone magma to determine its temperature history, finding a 'cool' period followed by rapid heating. The study's findings may help scientists recognize volcanoes on the verge of an eruption.
SourceOregon State University·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 2017
A team of scientists found that massive volcanic eruptions may have caused the end-Ordovician extinction, which wiped out 85% of marine animal species. The eruptions released sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide, interacting in complex ways to affect the climate.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalGeology·DateMay 29, 2017
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 used X-ray studies to investigate the floating properties of pumice rocks, finding that surface tension plays a key role in trapping gases within the rock's pores. The study provides new insights into the longevity of these rocks, which can travel thousands of miles on ocean currents.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateMay 23, 2017
A new study has found that supervolcanoes like Toba experience ongoing eruptions for tens of thousands of years after a massive eruption. Researchers linked recent Mt. Sinabung eruptions to the last supervolcano eruption 74,000 years ago at Toba.
SourceOregon State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 16, 2017
Researchers at UCL and the Vesuvius Observatory used a new model to investigate Campi Flegrei's unrest, finding a build-up of energy that makes the volcano more susceptible to eruption. The study suggests an increased possibility of eruption in the near future.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 15, 2017
The novel method enables making size-tailored zinc peroxide nanoparticles in an environmentally friendly manner. The as-synthesised ZnO2 nanoparticles have potential to kill tumor cells through apoptotic and non-apoptotic mechanisms.
SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 12, 2017
A regional climate model predicts that future Hawaiian snowfalls will decrease dramatically, with average winter snowfall expected to be ten times less than present day amounts by the end of the century. The study provides insights into the benefits of model downscaling and highlights the need for monitoring climate change in the region.
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
A study found that a gentoo penguin colony in Antarctica was almost completely wiped out after three large volcanic eruptions over the past 7,000 years. The eruptions from Deception Island volcano had a devastating impact on the population, causing ash fall and burying chicks.
SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 11, 2017
New research from Brown University suggests that lunar volcano Ina is actually around 3.5 billion years old, not within the past 100 million years as previously thought. The feature's youthful appearance was attributed to its porous surface, created by magmatic foam, which hides regolith buildup and skews crater counts.
Researchers detect 75% of a typical galaxy's star formation obscured by dust, revealing surprising findings about the early universe. The Large Millimeter Telescope allows for deeper observations, pushing our knowledge of dust production and metal enrichment over cosmic time.
New NASA research on Mars volcano Arsia Mons suggests its peak volcanic activity occurred around 150 million years ago, similar to the time of Earth's Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event that led to the demise of dinosaurs. The study provides valuable insights into the Red Planet's history and interior structure.
SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateMar 20, 2017
Researchers have found that volcanoes collectively emit significant amounts of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, which is easier to detect from space. Human activities also emit large quantities of sulfur dioxide, but are declining in many countries due to pollution controls.
SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 9, 2017
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.
The Samalas volcano's massive eruption in 1257 is believed to have had a significant impact on European climate conditions. However, new research published in Nature Geoscience suggests that its effects were exaggerated and not the primary cause of the Little Ice Age.
SourceSiberian Federal University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 20, 2017
Scientists propose that viscous relaxation on Ceres caused older cryovolcanoes to flatten over millions of years, making them indistinguishable from the planet's surface. This process may explain why Ahuna Mons stands alone as the only prominent ice volcano on the dwarf planet.
SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 2, 2017
A Martian meteorite provides clues to the evolution of Mars, with evidence suggesting that some of the longest-lived volcanoes in the solar system are located on the Red Planet. The research offers new insights into the history of volcanic activity on Mars and confirms at least 2 billion years of volcanic activity.
SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 1, 2017
Scientists at Uppsala University reveal the secret behind massive volcanic eruptions, discovering chemical clues in quartz crystals that hint at magma assimilating a local rock rich in water, leading to increased gas pressure and catastrophic eruptions.
SourceUppsala University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 26, 2017
A new study from the University of Leeds has made reliable estimates of volcanic ash events in Northern Europe, finding that ash clouds occur approximately every 44 years. The research team analyzed records of volcanic ash fallout over the past 1,000 years and found evidence of 84 ash clouds, most linked to Icelandic eruptions.
SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJan 3, 2017
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
Two new studies provide a step-by-step account of an underwater volcano eruption, revealing that deformation patterns and tidal activity can be used to estimate future eruptions. Monitoring magma pools underneath the Axial Seamount has been shown to help predict undersea eruptions.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 15, 2016
A University of Washington study has captured the eruption of an underwater volcano in unprecedented detail, providing new clues about the behavior of volcanoes where two ocean plates are moving apart. The research used data from the Cabled Array seafloor observatory to analyze seismic vibrations and movement before and during the event.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateDec 15, 2016
Researchers have created a new seafloor map that provides detailed information about the 2015 eruption at Axial Seamount. The map reveals 14 separate lava flows containing nearly 156 million cubic meters of lava, as well as precise locations of eruptive fissures.
SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute·DateDec 15, 2016
Researchers discovered temperature and water content cycles within magma reservoirs affect eruptive styles, with varying points controlling explosive eruptions. The study provides insights into volcanic behavior, potentially helping forecast eruption explosivity.
SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalGeology·DateNov 30, 2016
Research suggests Pluto's subsurface ocean could be responsible for its current location. The 'heart' region, Sputnik Planitia, may have accumulated ice that made the planet roll over, creating cracks and tensions in the crust. This process, called true polar wander, allows planets to reorient without changing their spin axis.
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 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.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalIcarus·DateNov 10, 2016
Researchers have discovered a huge magmatic lake, 15 kilometers below a dormant volcano in Bolivia, which could help explain why and how volcanoes erupt. The find suggests that similar bodies of water may be 'hiding' under other volcanoes.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateNov 8, 2016
Researchers have tracked 48 volcanic hotspots on Io's surface over a 29-month period, capturing heat coming off active eruptions and lava flows. The observations reveal that most eruptions occur on the trailing face of Io, with some appearing to progress across the surface over time.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalIcarus·DateOct 20, 2016
New faults in Mt. Aso's magma chamber and volcanic cones alter spatial and mechanical properties of the volcano, potentially changing its eruption dynamics. The study suggests that the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake accelerated the timing of a future eruption by creating new channels for magma venting.
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 astronomers led by Grant Wilson at UMass Amherst is building a state-of-the-art imaging system called TolTEC to study the heavens. The new camera will be part of the Large Millimeter Telescope (LMT) and offer improved sensitivity and speed, enabling groundbreaking surveys in star formation and galaxy evolution.
Researchers from Uppsala University have analyzed crystals from recent eruptions to understand magma plumbing systems beneath Mt. Cameroon volcano. The findings suggest that shallow magma pockets play a crucial role in priming the volcano for eruption, increasing the likelihood of explosive eruptions.
SourceUppsala University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 7, 2016
A new study mapping Japan's Sakurajima volcano's 'plumbing system' reveals a substantial growing magma reserve, threatening the safety of nearby residents. The team believes their pioneering techniques could help improve eruption forecasting and hazard assessment globally.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 3, 2016
Mount Etna's unusual crater formation is attributed to eastern flank instability, causing new stresses and pressures on the volcano's structure. This makes it a prime subject for study, with recent research monitoring its behavior over ten years to predict future eruptions.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Earth Science·DateSep 2, 2016
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
Researchers find that Ahuna Mons, a volcano on Ceres, is built from ice and was formed through cryovolcanism. The discovery confirms that Ceres' interior has kept warm enough for liquid water or brines to exist in recent geological time.
SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateSep 1, 2016
Climate effects of major eruptions deliver 'just right' conditions for vulnerable saguaro seedlings. A study by biogeographer Taly Drezner found that distant volcanic paroxysms fostered population growth in the Sonoran Desert.
The Bardarbunga caldera is the largest caldera formation ever observed, with an area of 110 square kilometers. The team used satellite images, seismological and geochemical data, GPS data, and modeling to study the event.
SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalScience·DateJul 14, 2016
Researchers from Italy suggest that gas pressure, rather than magma, is causing the ground to rise near the Bay of Naples volcano. The study contradicts previous assumptions and offers a new interpretation of the Campi Flegrei's geological activity.
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 found significant magma movement under Mount St Helens before 1980 eruption, indicating destabilization of magma system and possible future eruptions. Similar measurements may indicate risk at other well-studied volcanoes like Uturuncu in Bolivia.
A new exploration technique has discovered significant helium reserves in Tanzania, providing a much-needed supply to address the growing demand. The discovery could fill over 1.2 million medical MRI scanners, alleviating a critical shortage of this vital element.
Researchers have discovered a massive helium gas field in the Tanzanian Rift Valley, ensuring a stable supply of this finite resource. The find, associated with volcanoes, has calculated a probable resource of 54 Billion Cubic Feet, enough to fill over 1.2 million medical MRI scanners.
A team of scientists has discovered that dormant volcanoes exhibit predictable quiet periods immediately before eruptions. Longer quiet periods indicate a bigger eruption. This discovery allows for the forecasting of impending eruptions and could revolutionize volcanic monitoring.
SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJun 23, 2016
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.
A new study from the University of Washington reveals that a common type of volcano draws its lava from both the mantle and the crust, challenging traditional geological beliefs. Researchers found that the basalt's magnesium signature is similar to the crustal material, suggesting that fluid movement plays a role in seismic activity at...
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 13, 2016
The image reveals details as small as 20 to 30 miles across, showcasing the planet's polar caps, clouds, and vivid rust-colored landscape. The Hubble view also highlights ancient features such as Syrtis Major Planitia and Hellas Planitia basin.
A new study found that earthquakes can cause magma to slosh and create conditions for volcanic eruptions. The research used a precision shake table to model the movement of magma and found that sloshing can lead to the formation of bubbles, which release gas into the atmosphere, decreasing pressure and triggering an eruption.
SourceHiroshima University·JournalJournal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research·DateMay 16, 2016
NASA's satellite measurements of sulfur dioxide can help identify volcanic clouds and provide more accurate forecasts for aviation safety. This technology has the potential to reduce airline cancellations and rerouting costs, as well as have long-term climate applications.
Researchers use new tools to detect patterns of seismic activity before volcanic eruptions, comparing them to past eruptions to determine when a particular volcano might erupt. The study also examines swarms of small earthquakes that appear to precede many eruptions, aiming to learn more about magma movement.
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.
A new technique combines economics and volcano science to identify past eruptions from tree-ring temperature reconstructions, potentially pinpointing previously unknown eruptions. The method may help separate volcanic impacts on climate from random variability, informing policy and scientific applications.
SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalJournal of Economic Surveys·DateApr 20, 2016
Researchers used computer models and laboratory experiments to study bubble behavior in magma reservoirs. They found that bubbles accumulate faster in crystal-rich zones, leading to overpressurization and potential sulfur emissions. This discovery sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of super-volcanic eruptions.
Researchers have discovered Negative Gas Adsorption (NGA), a counterintuitive phenomenon where materials release gas under pressure increase. This breakthrough has potential applications in rescue systems and separation applications.
SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature·DateApr 7, 2016
Researchers use refined techniques to detect and locate airwaves generated by volcanic explosions on seismic networks, providing an automated way to monitor volcanic eruptions. Ground-coupled airwaves can provide unambiguous evidence of eruptive activity and location of vents.
SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateApr 4, 2016
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 aim to learn about changes in Martian-like sand dunes' grain size, chemical composition, and shape. They seek evidence of microbial organisms in similar environments as Earth, which could provide clues about Mars' past habitability.
Scientists developed a new method to understand how volcanic ash interacts with jet engines. The research found that volcanic ash may melt and stick more readily inside engines, leading to severe underestimates of thermal hazard.
SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 4, 2016
Astronomers at UMass Amherst report the discovery of eight 'outrageously luminous' galaxies, which outshine previously brightest known galaxies. The newly observed galaxies are estimated to be about 10 billion years old and formed only 4 billion years after the Big Bang.
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 22, 2016
Researchers develop empirical model to estimate risks of volcanic ash on jet engines, finding that sand-based tests are unsuitable due to underestimated damage. The new model takes into account the chemical composition of ash, providing a more realistic assessment of aviation hazards.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 14, 2016
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 investigate the formation of a tiny volcanic island near Nishinoshima volcano, Ogasawara Islands, Japan. The island's unique lava flows and internal pathways provide valuable insights into the geological processes that shape our planet.
SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateFeb 25, 2016
A new study using an advanced computer model casts doubt on the previously held theories about Yellowstone's origins, adding to the mystery of its formation. The simulation results showed that a mantle plume was blocked from traveling upward toward the surface by ancient tectonic plates.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 10, 2016
A research team found that a geologic event known as diking can cause strong earthquakes, with the potential to pose hazards to nearby communities. The team investigated ties between two natural disasters in the Democratic Republic of Congo and discovered that a dike intrusion could have induced a magnitude 6.2 earthquake.
Scientists have found that rapid bubble formation in magma chambers may trigger sudden volcanic eruptions. This discovery could change the way volcanoes are monitored, focusing on changes in gas composition at the surface rather than seismic activity or ground deformation.
SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 1, 2016
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.
The 2014-2015 Pahoa lava flow crisis at Kilauea Volcano posed significant societal impact despite low effusion rates, highlighting the need for effective communication and public education during volcanic events. The crisis provided valuable lessons about predicting and mitigating lava flow hazards.
SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGSA Today·DateFeb 1, 2016