Researchers have discovered that since the 1960s, spores from living land plants show a three-fold increase in UV-B absorbing pigments to protect themselves against declining stratospheric ozone. By studying ancient plant fossils, scientists aim to measure past UV-B levels and better understand Earth's climate history.
A study of the Haughton Impact Crater has revealed life-friendly features at ground zero, including hydrothermal systems and blasted rocks that are easier for microbes to inhabit. The crater's unique geology makes it a prime target in the search for signs of past or present life on Mars.
The May-June GSA Bulletin issue explores phosphogenesis and organic-carbon preservation in the Miocene Monterey Formation at Naples Beach, California. Researchers propose a corollary to the Monterey hypothesis suggesting major sinks of organic matter are located in continental sediments.
The May GEOLOGY media highlights featured articles on the preservation of a unique coal-bearing succession in the Pennsylvanian Joggins Formation and the role of evaporite withdrawal. Seismic profiles also showed that layers of salt were able to flow and rise to the surface, leading to subsidence and preservation. Additionally, researc...
This article discusses distal fluvio-lacustrine volcaniclastic resedimentation in central Japan and its tectonic implications. Additionally, sedimentology on Macquarie Island reveals fossil ridge-transform intersections, while high-resolution C-isotope stratigraphy sheds light on mid-Neoproterozoic climate change in the Grand Canyon. T...
Research on Neoproterozoic low-latitude sedimentary rocks reveals that tropical oceans were likely very cold during the Cryogenian period, leading to widespread sea ice. In contrast, a Cretaceous alluvial sequence provides evidence of long-term amplification of the global hydrologic cycle and greenhouse climate signals.
Paleontology graduate student Jacqueline M. Kozisek's research challenges the nuclear winter theory by citing the survival of tropical honeybees. Modern tropical honeybees require temperatures between 88-93°F to survive, which is unlikely given predicted post-impact temperature drops of 13-22°F.
A team of paleontologists has reestimated Seismosaurus's length to 110 feet, bringing it within range of the blue whale. The new estimate was achieved by scaling up a smaller Diplodocus dinosaur and comparing its caudal vertebrae.
Researchers found that tumbleweeds and other native plants in arid regions can effectively absorb depleted uranium from contaminated soils. The study, led by geologist Dana Ulmer-Scholle, suggests using these plants as a low-cost method for cleaning up DU-contaminated areas.
A new theory proposes that a coal fire in the Titanic's coal bunker may have led to its high-speed sailing through an iceberg field. The theory, presented by Dr. Essenhigh, suggests that the crew was trying to control and extinguish the fire before reaching port.
The discovery of five-toed tracks at Blue Beach in Nova Scotia suggests that pentadactyl tetrapods evolved tens of millions of years earlier than thought. The find contradicts the prevailing idea that polydactyl feet were more common among early tetrapods.
The new web site features a discussion forum, image gallery, and interviews with prominent researchers discussing the state of the science. It also includes information on degree programs, funding opportunities, and conferences, making it a valuable resource for biogeoscience enthusiasts and professionals.
The new website will collect and organize resources such as funding opportunities, research programs, and conferences, facilitating the growth of the biogeoscience field. It will also feature a discussion forum and image gallery, supporting scientists in defining the field and addressing its future.
Researchers are using stable isotopes in bird feathers to track migration patterns and wintering grounds, revealing previously unknown information about bird dispersal. This technique provides a faster and more cost-effective alternative to traditional methods like banding, allowing scientists to gather data on a wider scale.
Researchers found microbial communities with a pH level of 12.8, surpassing known natural environments. The microbes are related to bacteria found in highly alkaline waters and tufa columns around the world.
Ripple features on Mars have been found to be almost 20 feet high, much taller than those on Earth, with the exact heights and grain sizes still unknown. The dimensions of these Martian ripples are likely influenced by lower gravity and may reveal insights into local and regional weather patterns.
A symposium explores how climate change influenced brain development, tool use, and migration patterns of early humans. Leading scientists discuss the impact of glacial periods on human populations, with findings suggesting that water availability played a critical role in shaping human evolution.
The Gaza Strip's groundwater is becoming contaminated with salts and nitrates due to over-pumping, threatening the water supply. A joint study suggests tapping into saline water from Israel and desalinating it could help preserve freshwater resources and alleviate pressure on the aquifer.
A study of 27 top wine regions' temperatures and wine quality over the past 50 years reveals rising temperatures have impacted vintage quality. Climate modeling predicts a 2°C temperature rise in the next 50 years, which may improve cool-growing regions but harm warm regions.
Scientists are studying the impact of human activities on water quality in the Brush Creek watershed. Geophysicists have discovered small earthquakes in northeastern Kansas related to movements of the Earth's crust. Additionally, researchers are analyzing how irrigation affects summertime climate in the High Plains.
Researchers extract biochemical information from fossil bones, avoiding errors associated with morphology, to compare ancient and modern species. The study reveals the survivability of osteocalcin protein in fossil bones, paving the way for new insights into evolutionary relationships.
Geologist Schmitt presents new insights into the Moon's origin, contradicting the Giant Impact hypothesis, and its implications for understanding early Earth and Mars. He also discusses possible evidence for ancient oceans on Mars and the potential for life in the solar system.
David Bottjer discovered that messier sediments held more advanced animal remains, suggesting churned conditions led to environmental pressure and evolutionary changes. This finding supports the idea that 'sod busters' accelerated the Cambrian explosion of new life forms by forcing earlier animals to adapt to harsh environments.
A single geophone can detect seismic vibrations in Europa's icy crust, revealing its depth and potentially life-sustaining liquid ocean beneath. The technique, tested on Arctic Sea ice, aims to uncover the moon's internal structure without the need for a costly lander mission.
Islamic countries have a rich scientific heritage, with contributions from the 7th to 14th centuries, making geology an area of great opportunity for collaboration. Geoscientists can help increase understanding and break down preconceived notions by interacting with local people and promoting the unity of the Earth's inhabitants.
Scientists propose that a shift from carbon dioxide to methane in the greenhouse world may have triggered the emergence of complex life forms. Methane, which takes less energy to maintain than carbon dioxide, led to a drop in CO2 levels and the rise of oxygenic photosynthesis.
Paleontologists have used microCT technology to visualize the internal structure of fossilized embryos, providing new insights into early animal evolution. The discoveries offer a glimpse into the development of ancient animals and shed light on their habitats.
Researchers propose that Oxygen-making microbes came later, around 100 million years after the emergence of Sulfur-loving bacteria. This revised evolutionary history may explain the lack of cyanobacteria fossils in ancient iron formations and resolve biochemical contradictions.
Herb Frey and his daughter Erin have discovered subtle quasi-circular depressions, or QCDs, that suggest a Pre-Noachian period on Mars. These findings indicate that the oldest visible Martian crust is not the oldest, but rather part of an even earlier geological time period.
Studies reveal steady rate of oceanic lithosphere creation over past 180 million years, contrasting with decreasing estimates. Researchers analyze structural investigation of San Juan thrust system and kinematic history of central Andean fold-thrust belt to build high plateaus.
New studies reveal close connections between North Atlantic and Pacific climates, with potential implications for predicting future climate changes. Glacier advances in Alaska and landslides triggered by asteroid impacts provide evidence of distant climate perturbations.
Researchers investigate active Archaean plate tectonics based on features in ultramafic blocks within oceanic crust remnants. Additionally, studies explore eukaryotic stromatolite builders' impact on Precambrian iron formations and atmospheric oxygenation.
Researchers studied Paleocene-Eocene syncontractional sedimentation in east-central Tibet, numerical modeling of fluid flow in Utah, and syndepositional thrust-related deformation in a Central Colorado trough. The findings provide insights into the geological evolution of these regions.
Researchers at Columbia University have discovered a correlation between earthquakes and ocean tides, with seismic activity increasing during tidal lows. This study suggests that the seafloor crust is breathing with the ocean tides, allowing for regular tidal scheduling of seismic energy release.
Scientists have detected a bulge in the Earth's crust near South Sister volcano, caused by slow accumulation of molten rock. This has led to an increase in gas emissions and swelling of the ground, raising concerns about potential eruptions.
Geologists have made several significant discoveries in Utah and Wyoming, including a one-ton plant-eating carnivore with bizarre claws and skin impressions of a duck-billed dinosaur. The finds include new species of dinosaurs, such as horned ceratopsians and giant crocodiles, which provide valuable insights into the paleoecological st...
Researcher Michele L. Aldrich found that Dickinson's poetry incorporated geological terms, indicating an influence from her education at Amherst Academy and Mount Holyoke College. This study aims to encourage students interested in geology to explore the subject through literary examples like Dickinson's poems.
Geologists find strong similarities in Silurian marine fossils between Alaska, Urals, and Siberia, indicating a shared contiguous seaway. This discovery contradicts a previous hypothesis that the Alexander terrane was located in the Southern Hemisphere during the Silurian period.
A new study by Union College geology student Jonathan MacDonald measures the neutron-induced fission tracks on porcelain fragments near ground zero in Hiroshima. The results provide insight into the exposure levels from the atomic bomb, with one sample showing a 2 to 2.5 times higher value than previous estimates.
Lawrence H. Tanner found evidence of a Manicouagan impact causing an earthquake in the Fundy Rift Basin, a sedimentary basin 700 km away from the impact site. The association between the impact and paleoseismicity was made using shocked quartz grains, providing a stratigraphic context for the event.
Recent studies on Mars' Elysium and Amazonis Planitia regions reveal regionally extensive lava eruptions from the same vent system as water. The findings suggest that these volcanic and hydrologic events are both young and related in origins, potentially indicating ongoing volcanic activity.
Geologists have found no evidence of impact-induced volcanism on other heavily-impacted planets in our solar system, according to new research by Jay Melosh. The study also provides a theoretical analysis of the conditions created by a large impact on Earth, contradicting a widely-held idea.
A recent discovery of buried impact craters on Mars indicates that the planet's northern lowlands formed very early in its history, possibly as a result of a shallow ocean. This finding provides crucial insights into the origin of Mars' crustal dichotomy and challenges traditional theories about the planet's geological evolution.
Research by astrobiologist Jack Farmer highlights the significance of microbial ecosystems found in hydrothermal environments, which could be cradles for life on other planets. Discoveries of new forms of life on Earth thrive in extreme environments broaden possibilities for similar life to exist elsewhere.
Astronomers discover that asteroid 1929 Kollaa was once part of the larger asteroid 4 Vesta, which is believed to be the source of meteorites found on Earth. This finding helps scientists build a geologic map of the asteroid belt and understand forces that have acted on asteroids in the past.
Researchers propose that early animal life evolved to thrive in unique Cambrian environments with microbial mats. This new perspective suggests alternative evolutionary explanations for the development of strange morphologies, such as those seen in helicoplacoids, the earliest known echinoderms.
Geologists have identified the ancient harbor of Troy by correlating sedimentary facies with ancient texts, including Strabo's Geographies. The findings will be presented at the Geological Society of America's annual meeting in Boston.
A geologist proposes that traditional Chinese landscape paintings, emphasizing harmony with nature, may have contributed to China's lack of early adoption of geological principles. This perspective is rooted in the Western European emphasis on geometric perspective as a tool for understanding spatial relationships.
A new climate model proposes that geographic range changes and body size played a primary role in the extinction of large mammals during the Pleistocene era. The study suggests that as animals' geographic ranges decreased over time, their probability of extinction increased, especially in harsh environments.
Researchers have found unprecedented sea-level rise along the coasts of Maine and Nova Scotia, with rates of 30-60 cm since 1750. The finding suggests a two-step increase in sea level, caused by natural climatic warming followed by human-induced climate change.