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Tiny microbes make a surprisingly big contribution to carbon release

Researchers estimate that 67% of organic carbon within bedrock is released during erosion, with certain microbe populations using the carbon for nourishment. The findings suggest that this process could negate geological carbon dioxide consumption and impact Earth's climate.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 12, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Toothpaste alone does not prevent dental erosion or hypersensitivity

A study found that none of nine analyzed toothpastes mitigated enamel surface loss, a key factor in tooth erosion and dentin hypersensitivity. Researchers stress the importance of proper dental treatment, diet, and lifestyle changes to prevent these problems.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 13, 2018

Continental interiors may not be as tectonically stable as geologists think

Researchers identified unexpected geophysical signals beneath stable continental interiors of South America and Africa, suggesting recent geologic activity. Cratons, ancient rocks on Earth's surface, may have experienced delamination, a process where the denser lower mantle layer peels away from the buoyant upper layer.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 19, 2018

Multiple sites rich in water ice found on Mars

Scientists have identified eight locations on Mars with significant water ice deposits, providing insights into the planet's climate history and habitability. The ice is found to be cohesive and strong, with distinct layers that could help understand changes in Mars' climate over time.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 11, 2018

Study identifies California cliffs at risk of collapse

A study published in Geomorphology identifies areas with high cliff erosion rates and introduces a new hazard scale to predict impending collapses. The research provides accurate erosion rates for 680 miles of the California coast, highlighting the need for improved models and planning strategies to protect critical facilities.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalGeomorphology·DateDec 20, 2017
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.

New research improves understanding of ancient landscapes

Geologists can improve estimates of landscape erosion and sediment dispersal by accounting for factors like bedrock material erosion rates, zircon fertility, and sediment recycling. Researchers collected zircon grain samples from modern river watersheds in the Andes Mountains to test these assumptions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateDec 12, 2017

'Brazil nut effect' helps explain how rivers resist erosion, Penn team finds

A recent study by Penn researchers reveals that the Brazil nut effect plays a crucial role in explaining how rivers resist erosion. The phenomenon, where larger particles tend to rise to the top of mixtures, helps create an armor-like layer on riverbeds, protecting them from excessive erosion. This finding has significant implications ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 20, 2017

An end to cavities for people with sensitive teeth?

Researchers develop a new material with nanohydroxyapatite and green tea polyphenol EGCG to combat tooth sensitivity. The material plugged dentin tubules, released EGCG for 96 hours, and prevented biofilm formation, showing low toxicity.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateAug 2, 2017
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Why Japan's coastal zones might be disappearing due to climate change

Climate change projections indicate that Japan's coastal zones will experience significant beach erosion due to rising sea levels and increased wave heights. The study suggests that beach-loss rates may reach as high as 83% by 2100, posing a significant threat to coastal management.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalCoastal Engineering Journal·DateJul 13, 2017

Earliest human impact on geological processes took place 11,500 years ago

Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered basin-wide erosion rates incompatible with known tectonic and climatic regimes of the period. The findings indicate that human impact on the environment began significantly affecting the Earth's geology around 11,500 years ago.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalGlobal and Planetary Change·DateJun 5, 2017

GIS -- a powerful tool to be used with caution

A recent study challenges GIS credibility in assessing shoreline erosion to archaeological sites, highlighting the need for more current imagery sources and semi-regular updates. The research suggests that while GIS can be useful in identifying areas at risk, its limitations due to volatile weather conditions must be acknowledged.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOpen Archaeology·DateMay 18, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Doctoring the soil

Researchers found that minimizing soil disturbance, ensuring permanent organic cover crops, and diversifying crops through crop rotation improved soil properties. These techniques created a beneficial environment for microorganisms, fungi, and earthworms, ultimately leading to increased crop productivity and reduced erosion.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateMay 3, 2017

Comet 67P is constantly undergoing a facelift

Changes on Comet 67P's surface were likely driven by seasonal events, according to a new study. The comet's surface has been shaped over time through cometary-specific weathering, erosion, and transient events.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 21, 2017

Study shows how river channels adjust to large sediment supplies

Researchers found that rivers in regions with high erosion rates transport more sediment, which adjusts the channel geometry to moderate flows. This challenges the threshold channel model, which predicts a specific grain size range for gravel-bedded rivers.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 2017

Beach bashing

Researchers assess seasonal beach behavior for 29 beaches along the Pacific coast, finding 76% above normal erosion during the 2015-16 El Niño winter. The study highlights the increasing vulnerability of California's coastline to coastal hazards as climate events intensify.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 14, 2017
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Graffiti for science

Researchers from GFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam developed a new method called 'erosion painting' to visualize erosion rates. By applying paint patterns on rock surfaces and monitoring their removal over time, scientists can analyze the spatial distribution and intensity of erosive processes.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalEarth Surface Dynamics·DateDec 16, 2016

Thawing ice makes the Alps grow

The Alps are steadily uplifting at a rate of 1-2 millimeters per year, with the majority of this movement attributed to the loss of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) ice cap. Researchers have found that 90% of today's uplift is due to the thawing of ice, rather than tectonic activity or erosion.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 10, 2016

Intravascular imaging identifies some heart attack patients who can forgo stenting

A pilot study suggests that some heart attack patients with plaque erosion may benefit from anti-thrombotic medications only, potentially replacing stent placement. The conservative approach shows promise in reducing stent-related complications, offering a new treatment paradigm for over a quarter of patients.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 30, 2016
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.

A mystery of form and structure

Researchers built a stream table experiment to test a theory about the erosion of the Tarim Basin's flat surfaces. They found that channel switching played a crucial role in beveling these areas due to rapid changes in sediment flux and water flow. The study provides insights into the geological history of the region.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 24, 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 August 2016 issue of Lithosphere is now online

The August issue of Lithosphere presents papers on Tyrrhenian margin neotectonics in Italy, the Wrangellia composite terrane in Canada, and fault-related fissures in Wales. These studies provide new insights into Quaternary travertine deposits, thermochronology data, and paleofluid circulation in faults.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalLithosphere·DateJul 27, 2016

Do witchcraft beliefs halt economic progress?

A study by American University Economics Professor Boris Gershman found a negative correlation between witchcraft beliefs and trust, eroding social capital and cooperation. In regions with widespread witchcraft beliefs, mistrust and property destruction are common, stifling economic progress.

SourceAmerican University·JournalJournal of Development Economics·DateMay 9, 2016

River shaping from floods happens in moderation

Researchers found that moderate floods have a significant impact on river shaping, increasing erosion rates. However, extreme floods have limited additional effect on channel geometry, suggesting that landscapes can stabilize over long-term climate shifts.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 5, 2016

Floods and coastal erosion may expose contents of UK landfills, study finds

A new study from Queen Mary University of London found that historic UK landfills in England and Wales contain high levels of contaminants that could harm marine life if eroded or flooded. The analysis of two landfill sites in Essex revealed pollutants at concentrations exceeding marine sediment quality guidelines, posing a significant...

SourceQueen Mary University of London·DateMay 5, 2016
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Chemical weathering controls erosion rates in rivers

New research finds that chemical weathering can weaken rock structures in river beds, making them more susceptible to erosion. The study reveals a positive feedback loop where high precipitation rates maintain high erosion rates despite continuously exposing 'fresh rock'.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature·DateApr 13, 2016

Landscape evolution and hazards

Researchers study coastal uplift and erosion in Northern California, discovering rivers cut down hillslopes, triggering landslides that balance uplift. Landslides also deliver resistant rocks to rivers, delaying erosion, with implications for landscape evolution and hazards like landslides.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateMar 31, 2016

Climate change speeds up gully erosion

Heavy rainfall causes gullies to expand rapidly, with predicted climate change increasing rates up to three times faster. Researchers have developed a model to predict gully expansion and warn of devastating consequences for agriculture, water quality, and infrastructure.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalEarth-Science Reviews·DateFeb 25, 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.

Increase in volcanic eruptions at the end of the ice age caused by melting ice caps and erosion

Numerical simulations found that erosion played a key role in driving magma production and subsequent volcanic activity at the end of the last ice age. The study's results may have implications for understanding climate change and atmospheric CO2 levels, as similar mechanisms are expected to occur at shorter timescales.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 1, 2016

Normal weather drives salt marsh erosion

Researchers found that waves driven by moderate storms cause the most loss in salt marshes, not severe events like hurricanes. This knowledge brings new tools for managing and restoring wetlands, enabling predictions of erosion based on wind and wave climates.

SourceBoston University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2015

Climate can grind mountains faster than they can be rebuilt

Researchers have discovered that climate-induced glaciation during ice ages can wear down mountains at a rate comparable to plate tectonics' ability to build them. Over a million-year period, erosion accelerated sharply due to global climate cooling, outpacing mountain building by 50-80 percent.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2015
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Climate can grind mountains faster than they can be rebuilt

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2015

Mountain ranges evolve and respond to Earth's climate, study shows

A groundbreaking international study has revealed that mountain ranges actively evolve with the Earth's climate, responding to changes in temperature and ice cover. The research found that erosion accelerated sharply during global cooling periods, wearing down mountains faster than plate tectonics can build them.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2015

Climate change is moving mountains, research says

Research led by University of Cincinnati geologist Eva Enkelmann shows a strong relationship between global and local climate change and mountain range tectonic plate shifts. The study found that climate-driven erosion can influence tectonics, changing the motion of rocks in affected areas.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateNov 5, 2015

Dental health of professional footballers is 'poor' and affects performance

A large study of UK professional footballers found that nearly 4 out of 10 have active tooth decay, while 1 in 20 has irreversible gum disease. This poor dental health is affecting performance and wellbeing among players, highlighting the need for regular screening and preventive approaches.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateNov 2, 2015
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.

Flood hazards: Vermont and Colorado as case studies

Floodwaters in Vermont (2011) and Colorado (2013) highlighted the impact of downstream increases and decreases in stream power on erosion and sedimentation. The study successfully predicted river channel and floodplain responses in almost 90% of cases, revealing the potential role of downstream changes in stream power.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateOct 12, 2015

The law of the landscape for glaciers?

A new study has identified a law for glacial erosion that captures variability in different climate zones. The results show that fast glaciers are more effective landscape gougers than slow-moving ones, explaining lower long-term erosion rates in Polar Regions.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 8, 2015
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.

Fingerprinting erosion

A recent study uses color fingerprinting to identify the origin of sediments in the South Tobacco Creek watershed. The technique reveals that nature is more often responsible for sedimentation than previously thought, while human activities have a significant impact on hydrology and erosion.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateSep 2, 2015

This week from AGU: Gender parity in the geosciences, Tibetan Plateau formation

A new study finds that the lag time between rock uplift and river erosion in the Tibetan Plateau was just 2 million years or so, making them relatively synchronous events. The researchers used fission track dating to determine the timing of these events and shed light on the geological history of the region.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 17, 2015

Extrusion, unroofing, buoyancy, denudation: Lithosphere, May 13-21, 2015

Research sheds light on the kinematic evolution of the Himalayan orogen, uncovering cryptic thrust-sense discontinuities that help understand processes in continent-continent convergent margins. The Klamath Mountains' unroofing process is also explored, revealing a new mechanism to produce plate margin orogens.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalLithosphere·DateMay 26, 2015
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

A climate signal in the global distribution of copper deposits

Researchers found that climate-driven erosion influences the age and abundance of exposed copper porphyry deposits globally. The study used data on the age and number of exposed deposits to compare with climate patterns, revealing a strong connection between erosion rates and deposit distribution.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 11, 2015

Rupture along the Himalayan Front

A recent study by Kristin Morell and colleagues reveals the Himalayan Front's central seismic gap is overdue for a major earthquake. The researchers used geomorphic and erosion rate data to define the active detachment fault likely to host a large earthquake, pinpointing a distinctive physiographic transition in Uttarakhand, India.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalLithosphere·DateApr 30, 2015

Erosion, landslides and monsoon across the Himalayas

Scientists found that sediment size in Himalayan river is larger during summer monsoon, revealing relationship between landslides and erosion. The study suggests that coarse material may be lost en route to the ocean, raising questions about sediment origins.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 29, 2015
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.

The creation of Shangri-La

Researchers used a new computer model to simulate the formation of high-lying valleys in the southeastern Tibetan plateau. They found that these valleys developed in place, not as remnants of former lowlands, and were shaped by river disruption due to tectonic movement.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateApr 23, 2015

Coastal property values could erode if nourishment subsidies end

A new study by Duke University researchers suggests that ending federal beach nourishment subsidies could lead to a rapid and dramatic adjustment in coastal property values. Values could erode by up to 17 percent in towns with high property values and almost 34 percent in towns with low property values.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 25, 2015

New research predicts a doubling of coastal erosion by mid-century in Hawai'i

A new study from the University of Hawaii predicts that coastal erosion in Hawai'i will double by mid-century, threatening thousands of homes and infrastructure. The model takes into account historical changes and projected sea level rise, indicating that shorelines will retreat an average of 16-20 feet by 2050 and nearly 60 feet by 2100.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNatural Hazards·DateMar 23, 2015

Ascension of marine diatoms linked to vast increase in continental weathering

A team of researchers found that the success of marine diatoms over the last 40 million years is linked to increased continental erosion. Diatoms consume massive amounts of carbon from oceans daily, producing organic matter that helps reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2015
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.