Research on submarine displacement rates reveals some of the highest strike-slip rates on Earth, with implications for plate boundary deformation. Volcanic ice-slurry flows are also studied, showing extreme mobility and hazards at snow-capped volcanoes, with insights into their kinematic properties.
The Geosphere journal features two studies: one on climate change in the southwestern US from 17-6 million years ago, and another on the evolution of the South Balkan extensional system. The climate study used sedimentation and erosion history to interpret changes in ocean circulation and North American monsoon activity.
The article discusses recent geological findings, including rapid exhumation of ice-covered rocks in Southeast Alaska, a 9-degree warming in Greenland 14,700 years ago, and the onset of biomineralization in skeletal metazoans. It also presents a newly recognized eastern extension of the Nile deep-sea fan.
A new model for Grand Canyon erosion proposes that tectonic uplift drove incision, while opal formation on Mars suggests interaction with water occurred over a longer period. Fossils from the Burgess Shale have preserved soft tissues through mineralization, providing insights into ancient life.
Researchers investigated ancient soils in Big Bend National Park, Texas, and found increased chemical weathering during the initial Eocene thermal maximum. The study suggests that increased humidity and CO2 levels led to hydrolysis reactions, potentially serving as a negative feedback to reduce atmospheric CO2.
A study examines the connection between Civil War battlefields and casualties, finding that geology plays a significant role in determining fighter outcomes. Researchers discovered areas with favorable terrain and unfavorable geology resulted in distinct casualty rates.
Geoscientist David Kreamer proposes recycling decommissioned U.S. Navy vessels into mobile desalinization plants to address global water scarcity. The plan harnesses wind, wave, and solar power to create fresh water, potentially reaching remote areas quickly.
This October GEOSPHERE issue investigates the uplift of Southern Rocky Mountains, Himalayan kinematics, and fault geometry in the New Madrid seismic zone. The study also explores magmatic mosaics and volcanic processes in Mexico City's surroundings.
Researchers are studying the effects of lunar dust on the respiratory system and developing technologies to clean it from space suits. The powdery grey dirt is formed by micrometeorite impacts that can wreak havoc on equipment, but its unique properties also make it susceptible to magnets.
A recent white paper by leading coastal scientists suggests that wetlands restoration projects may not provide long-term storm protection for the Louisiana Coast. The researchers argue that there is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of such initiatives in reducing storm impacts.
Researchers discover single mode of fossilization for soft tissues preserved in Burgess Shale-type deposits, using carbon isotope analysis. Hydrothermal circulation models reveal variations along slow-spreading mid-ocean ridges affect site distribution.
Researchers explore climate change through corals and bat guano, as well as the Mississippi Delta's complex history of uplift and subsidence. Additionally, a study reveals that mantle upwelling controls the depth of fast-spreading ridges, while asteroid dust found in Antarctic ice provides insight into the Koronis asteroids.
Recent studies shed new light on the late Paleozoic ice age, revealing a dynamic icehouse regime and challenging traditional interpretations. This improved understanding can aid in preparing for rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and global temperature increases.
This paper describes network analyses capabilities within GIS to describe and quantify shear zone networks. Meanwhile, structural analysis of rockslide avalanches reveals fault structures as fingerprints for motion and emplacement styles.
Research highlights eruptive processes in Colorado's San Juan Mountains and unique features of West Antarctica's ice record. In Colombia, climate-driven erosion rates reveal interactions between faults and mountain asymmetry. Magela Creek in northern Australia shows branching and growth patterns.
Recent research published in July 2008 Geology and GSA Today sheds new light on geological phenomena around the world. The study of ghostly lithospheres past reveals insights into southern Africa's volcanic rocks and Scotland's ancient sandstones, while another paper explores Wyoming's badlands and their ancient mammal fossils.
The June issue of GEOSPHERE discusses delamination models for the Columbia River Basalt Group, a USGS Great Basin Paleontological Database with 150 years of fossil data, and 3D modeling techniques in Oklahoma and Ireland. Geochemical processes also contribute to contamination in northern Mexico's Rio Conchos basin.
Samoa has been reinstated as a primary hotspot trail based on new data, confirming its age progression and eliminating arguments against a plume origin. High-resolution climate recordings suggest extreme storm events' effects on landscapes and carbon dioxide levels. Meanwhile, research also explores icebergs along the southern US Atlan...
Fossilized body imprints of three previously unknown, foot-long salamander-like critters have been found in 330 million-year-old rocks. The imprints provide rare information about the animals' webbed feet, skin proportions and outer skin characteristics.
A series of massive volcanic eruptions in India may have killed the dinosaurs 65 million years ago, rather than a meteor impact. Microscopic marine fossils found in sediments near the Bay of Bengal support this theory, directly linking the Deccan Traps to the mass extinction event.
Researchers found that trees in low-nitrogen soils produce more anthocyanins, which protect the leaves longer and allow for greater nutrient recovery. This study supports a hypothesis suggesting that trees produce red pigments to aid in survival during the winter months.
Researchers have discovered that French clay can kill several types of bacteria, including MRSA and Mycobacterium ulcerans, which causes the flesh-eating disease Buruli ulcer. The study, led by Lynda Williams at Arizona State University, used laboratory tests to confirm the antibacterial properties of the clay.
Recent high-resolution images from NASA's Mars orbiters show extensive evidence of ice-made features on the planet's surface, including glacial debris and valley deposits. The findings suggest a dynamic history of Martian climate change, with water ice playing a key role in shaping the planet's geology.
A team of scientists discovered a 15-meter-long trackway with 12 consecutive prints that provide definitive evidence of a non-avian theropod dinosaur's swimming ability. The tracks show an underwater stride of 243-271 cm and suggest the dinosaur swam in approximately 3.2 meters of water.
Researchers used emus to decipher dinosaur tracks at the Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite in Wyoming. The birds' behavior revealed that dinosaurs likely stopped and observed their environment while walking, resolving a mysterious 'crossing over' track pattern.
Scientists have proposed a new theory that combines deadly sudden catastrophes (pulses) with longer, steadier pressures on species (presses) to explain Earth's mass extinctions. The Press/Pulse theory suggests that these combined events are necessary for big extinctions to occur.
Researchers studying ancient zircon crystals and river sediments discovered the Amazon River once flowed east-to-west, reversing its current direction. The finding dates back to around 1.3-2.1 billion years ago, during the Cretaceous Period.
A team of paleontologists proposes that the Chicxulub meteor impact was not the sole cause of the dinosaurs' demise. Instead, they suggest that a series of massive meteor impacts, volcanic eruptions, and climate change culminated in the end of the Cretaceous Period.
Researchers have discovered phosphorus-enriched soils at the Krasnyi Yar site, which matches what would be expected from horse manure. The finding suggests that horses were domesticated in northern Kazakhstan around 5,600 years ago, supporting the theory of early horse domestication.
Climate change threatens human health with heat-related illnesses, polluted air and water, flood-related accidents, and threats to food supplies. The most vulnerable populations will be hardest hit, such as children, elders, and socio-economically disadvantaged individuals.
Researchers are working to project the impacts of climate change on municipal water supplies by refining global climate models and customizing them for specific basins. This allows local governments and water planners to prepare for changes in tap water availability.
Researchers discovered that releasing reservoir water to recharge natural aquifers can help cities survive droughts with full production from municipal wells. This technique may become crucial for areas experiencing reduced inflow due to changing water uses or climate change, such as the city of Las Vegas, NM, and parts of California.
A climatologist and a political scientist argue that planning for droughts can minimize losses. In contrast, the US still reacts to droughts as unexpected emergencies, wasting resources. Experts call for a shift in perspective and proactive risk management.
Dr. Frank M. Richter is recognized for his contributions to solving geologic problems through physics and chemistry applications. His work on mantle dynamics, thermal evolution of Earth, and fluid dynamics has defined the state-of-the-art in the field.
Dr. Elizabeth Cochran receives the 2006 Subaru Outstanding Woman in Science Award for her groundbreaking work on earthquake triggering, microcracks, and post-seismic displacements. Her research explores intriguing facets of earthquakes using InSAR technology.
Geologist Robert D. Hatcher Jr has made significant contributions to the field of geology, including applying plate tectonics to the southern Appalachians and pioneering new seismic exploration techniques. He is recognized for his work through the prestigious Penrose Medal from the Geological Society of America.
Dick Kerr, Senior Writer at Science, receives GSA's highest public service award for his work in enhancing earth sciences understanding. With over 1200 science-news articles written, Kerr has made significant contributions to geoscience education and dialogue.
The Geological Society of America Distinguished Service Award recognizes exceptional contributions to the society's thriving publications program. Three 2006 awardees - Dr. Abhijit Basu, David E. Fastovsky, and Roger L. Kaesler - have expanded the program through their leadership and service.
A new study by Tulane University and Utrecht University suggests that compaction of the shallowest and most recent delta sediments is the main cause of subsidence in coastal Louisiana. The research challenges the notion that tectonic subsidence bears much of the blame for Louisiana's coastal geologic problems.
Scientists investigate how volcanic ash affects ecosystems, find evidence of ancient desert landscapes and discover fossilized bone marrow in 10 million-year-old amphibians. Researchers also analyze the erosion rates of the Alps and explore the origins of zircon crystals.
A study by Markus Harting found that glass spherules from Mexico to Haiti match the chemical composition of rocks melted at Chicxulub. The reworked spherules are misplaced in sediments close to the K-T boundary, casting doubt on previous timelines.
The Vilama Caldera's 8.4 million-year-old mega eruption is considered one of the world's largest known eruptions, emitting approximately 2000 cubic kilometers of pyroclastic material. The size and volume of the associated caldera put it among the world's largest known eruptions, differing from Yellowstone's three cataclysmic events.
A massive earthquake off the coast of Sumatra challenged long-held assumptions about quakes and subduction zones. The Great Sumatra-Andaman earthquake surpassed a magnitude 9 threshold, which contradicts theory that such large quakes occur at subduction zones with young, fast-moving crust.
Paleontologist Sankar Chatterjee presents evidence that dinosaurs like Microraptor gui used biplane wings, which were likely the first experiment in natural flight. The discovery supports the trees-down theory, suggesting that avian flight began with gliding and then developed into powered flight.
Scientists and educators defend evolution against trained attackers by focusing on ID's weak points, using humor, and emphasizing irrefutable facts. Multiple levels of antievolutionism are being attacked in various fields, including geoscience and space science education.
A new approach to studying oil, politics, and democracy suggests that America's oil age may be coming to an end. Researchers are re-examining policy in 50-100 year ranges instead of traditional 5-20 year cycles, pointing to potential decades-long shifts in oil policy.
The people of Simuelue island have a century-old oral tradition that warns of tsunamis, allowing them to evacuate quickly and save lives. In contrast, communities with less knowledge were devastated by tsunamis, highlighting the importance of planning and public education in disaster preparedness.
New research reveals that Mars' mid-latitude glaciers are similar to those on Earth, with features such as lineated valley fill and debris arcs. The findings suggest that Mars is experiencing ongoing climate shifts, allowing ice to leave the poles and accumulate at lower latitudes.
Researchers have developed a new technique using oxygen isotopes in tree rings to identify past hurricanes. By analyzing late-season growth, they found records of all known hurricanes that hit the Southeastern US over the past 50 years, and even back as far as 1450 AD.
Researchers have found that the Deccan Traps, a massive lava flow in India, may have released climate-changing gases quickly enough to cause a deadly global climate shift. The team's study suggests that the eruptions could have contributed to the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs.