Recent studies have shed new light on explosive volcanic eruptions in the ocean, a 300-million-year-old forest from the Andes, and innovative methods for dating sedimentary rocks. Researchers have discovered a unique eruption style dubbed 'Poseidic,' characterized by uninterrupted magma ascent, while fossil evidence supports an ecologi...
The new guidebook covers geologic terrain from eastern Pennsylvania to northeastern West Virginia, highlighting diverse landscapes and tectonic evolution. It also offers opportunities for readers to explore the complex geology of the southeastern and northeastern United States.
A recent study examines sediments from the Chicxulub impact crater, finding evidence supporting K-T mass extinction theories. Another study investigates the formation of dikes in volcanic eruptions, shedding light on magmatic overpressure and eruption hazards.
A magnetic study of the Colima volcanic complex in Mexico reveals that faults exhibit distinct magnetic anomalies, which can be used to improve geological interpretations. The findings have significant implications for hazard assessments in densely populated areas around active volcanoes.
The February issue of Lithosphere highlights the evolution of the northwestern Red Sea, with two main tectonic events contributing to its formation. The study also explores the Fish Lake Valley fault in eastern California and the incision of major rivers into the Tibetan Plateau's bedrock.
This article highlights new findings on late Cenozoic deformation in the Greater Caucasus Mountains, an important structure in the Arabia-Eurasia collision zone. The study also reports on a crucial upper age bound for the disappearance of the North Tian Shan Ocean and collision between the Yili and Junggar blocks in western China.
Researchers studied mineralized microfossils, sea level rise, and mammalian fossils to better understand Earth's history. They also found evidence against the Lilliput Effect and geochemical mapping of Mars.
Researchers examined erosion rates along a Scandinavian Ice Sheet margin over the past 2.7 million years, finding higher delivery rates for the most recent 600,000 years. In another study, ancient river sediments preserved records of California's topography and climate during intense global warming 50 million years ago.
The December 2009 Geosphere issue examines the Stateline fault along the California-Nevada border, revealing right-lateral deformation and extension. The study also investigates crystal-rich magmas of the Tuolumne batholith in the Sierra Nevada range, exploring magma chamber formation and physical processes.
The study examines crustal melting during continental subduction, revealing evidence of igneous diapirism and its impact on mountain belts. Researchers also investigate the weight of the Andes affecting the continental crust and correlate the Mocha fracture zone with orogenic uplift.
The January-February 2010 GSA Bulletin features studies on the kinematic evolution of curved mountain belts, including a paleomagnetic study of the Sevier thrust belt. The issue also covers the Sudbury impact crater in Michigan, USA, and GIS assessments of post-fire debris-flow hazards in central Idaho.
Researchers discovered that microorganisms can survive for thousands of years trapped in salt crystals, and a study found that river flood dynamics may not be recorded in marine deposits. Additionally, scientists analyzed volcanic eruptions and their impact on the environment.
Karl E. Karlstrom received the GSA Distinguished Service Award for his exceptional leadership in publishing and editorial board service, while Bruce F. Molnia was awarded the GSA Public Service Award for enhancing public understanding of earth sciences through his photography and public outreach.
Jaime D. Barnes received the Subaru Outstanding Woman in Science Award for her pivotal geochemical research, while John T. Leftwich Jr. received the Bromery Award for his illustrious career advancing minority participation in geoscience. The awards honor outstanding contributions to the field.
This November 2009 GSA Today article features research on microbial mats as evidence for early life, sag pond deposits that reveal seismic activity, and the formation of ooids in ancient sediments. Hillslope weathering patterns are also explored in relation to climate change.
Experts Dr. David B. Rutledge and Robert C. Milici present opposing views on US coal peak production, with Rutledge estimating ultimate production at 665 billion metric tons and predicting mitigation of CO2 emissions from climate change. Milici's model predicts a range of 2062-2105 for peak production, citing uncertainty in reserve est...
Scientists are using seismic noise to reconstruct the history of hurricanes in the North Atlantic, analyzing patterns produced during hurricanes and regular storms. Preliminary results suggest that hurricanes produce recognizable patterns, allowing researchers to potentially establish a link between global warming and hurricane frequen...
A new analysis of historical documents and geological maps reveals Jerusalem's karst geology played a pivotal role in the city's selection as David's capital, allowing it to successfully fend off Assyrian sieges. The discovery highlights the significance of water security in the region, with implications for modern-day life and politics.
A new theory proposes that toxic algae may have caused the world's great species annihilations during five of Earth's largest mass extinctions. Algae blooms can kill thousands of fish and poison shellfish, with some plants on land also picking up toxins through their roots.
Yumei Wang, a geotechnical engineer, proposes tsunami evacuation buildings in the Pacific Northwest to mitigate the risk of massive tsunamis. The buildings would provide safe spaces for emergency response and long-term recovery, with estimated costs ranging from $1 million to $2 million.
A massive impact crater off the coast of India is being studied as a potential cause of the mass extinction event that led to the demise of the dinosaurs. The Shiva basin, located in western India, is believed to have been created by an object at least 40 kilometers in diameter.
A new study by Western Washington University scientists found that leaves along busy bus routes are up to 10 times more magnetic than those on quieter streets, indicating higher levels of air pollution. This simple and effective method could be used to monitor particulate matter in urban environments.
This field guide features 33 geological trips in the Pacific Northwest, covering topics such as volcanoes, floods, and vineyard terroir. The guide offers new insights into the region's geologic processes and history, inspiring readers to explore and understand this dynamic corner of the world.
Recent studies uncover new insights into the Miocene structural reorganization of the South Tibetan detachment, eastern Himalaya, and its implications for understanding continental collision. Additionally, researchers have developed a one-dimensional modeling approach to quantify dip and velocity of continental subduction from high-pre...
The article highlights various fossil discoveries, including fungal microfossils, single-celled sea-bottom-dwellers, and trilobite soft tissues. These findings were recovered using diverse methods and provide insights into ancient environmental changes.
Researchers track the pattern and timing of a new subduction zone's birth in Fiordland, New Zealand, and analyze eclogites carried to the surface via serpentinite channels. The study also investigates the Yukon-Tanana terrane's crustal growth, finding predominantly crustal recycling with minor juvenile crustal growth.
The Geological Society of America has awarded the prestigious Penrose, Day, and Donath medals to B. Clark Burchfiel, T. Mark Harrison, and Cin-Ty A. Lee for their outstanding original work in geological sciences. The awards recognize major advances in geology and are presented at the GSA Annual Meeting.
The Geological Society of America has awarded Judge John E. Jones III the prestigious President's Medal for his role in defending the teaching of evolution in schools. As part of a 5-member panel discussion on Darwin Day, he will explore issues related to presenting scientific knowledge and accommodating challenging concepts.
Recent studies published in the November/December 2009 GSA Bulletin reveal insights into the Cenozoic tectonics of Nicaragua and the Median Trough, as well as the stratigraphic signature of late Cenozoic Antarctic Ice Sheets. The research also explores bivergent thrust wedges surrounding oceanic island arcs in the northeastern Caribbea...
Global climate change has a significant impact on deep-sea microfossil communities, with different groups responding differently to extinction events. In the Fraser River delta, anthropogenic subsidence is increasing relative sea-level rise by a factor of 2-5 times due to man-made structures.
Researchers investigate strange river behavior in Arizona, attributing it to ancient tectonic extension. In another paper, scientists study active low-angle normal faults in Mexico, resolving a long-standing controversy on their existence.
Researchers studied high-grade copper mineralization in porphyry Cu deposits, finding that fluid behavior correlates with emplacement depth of magmatic sources. Acoustic imaging revealed pressurized fluids in a subduction zone, explaining mechanical weakness and earthquake rupture processes.
The article discusses four main questions: Subducted oceanic asthenosphere flow beneath the Juan de Fuca slab, Arkosic rocks from the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) borehole, long-term strain records of the Parkfield Earthquake Prediction Experiment, and mechanisms responsible for map-view curvature over a range of scal...
The GSA Bulletin highlights studies on the Lesser Himalaya, southern Chinese Altai Range, and San Ysidro fault in New Mexico. Researchers unravel tectonic processes responsible for building the Himalayan foothills and provide new insights into faulting mechanisms and magmatic evolution of Western Amazonia.
Research highlights the role of large igneous provinces (LIPs) in shaping Earth's surface, while also uncovering new climate oscillation patterns. Experts analyze topographic metrics to understand hillslope evolution, resolving long-standing debates over porphyroblasts and neptunian eruptions.
Researchers explore geologic evolution of Savu Island, active tectonic maps for the Tibet-Himalaya region, and syntectonic zoning in biotite porphyroblasts. The study also delves into the potential for explosive eruptions and growth patterns of silicic volcanoes.
Recent studies on mud transport, Appalachian promontories, Pisco valley drainage basins, and Eocene Arctic forests shed light on geological processes. The findings suggest that abiogenic methane emissions may be more prevalent than thought and reveal clues about ancient life in the High Arctic.
Recent research includes the documentation of Holocene rupture on major faults in Lake Tahoe Basin and evidence for a large paleolake in Western Desert, Egypt. A study on groundwater system in southern Colorado Plateau-Arizona Transition Zone also sheds light on seismic hazards in western Washington State.
Studies investigate the relationship between mantle cooling, crustal thickness, and sea-level rise. Researchers also explore the impact of tectonic stretching on fault formation and the behavior of Earth's plates.
Chevron-shaped dunes are not indicative of mega-tsunamis, contrary to popular speculation. Microbial life extends fossil record by 1.5 billion years, while nanoscale cristobalite fibers in volcanic ash hint at adverse health effects. The largest trilobites ever found provide insight into Earth's first animals and fossil evidence.
Recent studies focus on North Sister volcano's glaciated history and the largest radial dike swarm in the Cascades. Sediment waves along submarine channels are also examined in the Espirito Santo Basin, Brazil, while a new study reveals highly explosive eruptions at Kilauea Volcano, Hawai'i.
Scientists investigate possible tectonic cycling of serpentized peridotites in the Mariana forearc, connect Saddle Mountain and Seattle faults, and improve fractured carbonate-reservoir characterization with remote sensing. Seismic reflection profiles also define Grenville-age rift system and foreland basins beneath Phanerozoic sediments.
Early human fossils found in 500-million-year-old rocks show that ancient pioneers may have carried shells on their backs to breathe, providing insights into how they adapted to life on land. Researchers also discovered large perturbations of the carbon and sulfur cycle accompanying a mass extinction event in South China and linked vol...
The Geological Society of America's South-Central Section Meeting will feature a presentation on the Arlington Archosaur Site, which has yielded over 95 million-year-old fossils including a new species of lungfish. The site is also home to well-preserved remains of a carnivorous theropod and a large herbivorous hadrosaur.
Scientists found reduced export of North Atlantic deep water during Heinrich event 1, supporting hypothesis on freshwater's impact. However, they dispute the existence of a terminal extinction event in the Karoo Basin's continental record.
The first issue of Lithosphere features studies on Holocene surface ruptures in New Zealand, a fluid factory in solid Earth, and the erosion of the Wasatch Mountains. Researchers found evidence of five surface-rupturing earthquakes in New Zealand and proposed a new model for fluids in Earth's interior.
Researchers have discovered new findings on Mars, including evidence of ancient water on the planet. Floods in tropical regions can lead to substantial amounts of sediment staying near shore for months, potentially harming coral reefs. Additionally, scientists have studied ancient soils and rocks from New Mexico, revealing insights int...
Researchers studied the San Andreas fault system, Africa's ancient crustal blocks, and the High Plains aquifer using gravity, magnetic, and seismic data. The results show that Africa is a collage of ancient cratons with mantle roots extending deep into the Earth's interior.
Recent research on Mars includes studies on the planet's geology and potential habitability. A new method for classifying Quaternary glacial deposits was also proposed by GSA Today's science article.
The GSA Bulletin features studies on climate change sensitivity, Mars geology, and groundwater flow. Carbon-14 dating of Irish marine mud suggests the ice sheet was highly sensitive to small climate changes.