Researchers at Michigan State University discover that glaciers sculpt and erode landscapes through a phenomenon called glaciohydraulic supercooling, which affects the rate of erosion. This new understanding allows for better comprehension of how glaciers subdue mountains.
Researchers from Lehigh University and other institutions have found evidence suggesting that erosion and tectonic processes are contributing to the growth of the Himalayas. The study uses short- and long-term measurements, including seismological, geomorphic, and GPS data, to understand the geological processes at play.
Active mountains, despite constant uplift, do not get taller because of erosion forces balancing uplift and sediment transport. Researchers found that river erosion rates closely match the rate at which rocks move up, with abrasion by suspended particles doing most of the down cutting.
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 found that volcanic regions on Mars' Hellas basin were eroded by liquid carbon dioxide due to explosive eruptions. The 'magmatic erosion model' suggests catastrophic erosion occurred when molten rock rose to the surface, causing debris flow and shaping features.
The USGS reports that 45 million residents live in hurricane-prone areas, with population growth doubling since the 1960s. Coastal erosion is expected to result in 1,500 homes lost per year, with approximately 87,000 at risk within 60 years.
Research suggests that seawalls may have no significant long-term effect on beach behavior, despite causing active erosion during storms. Geologists consider factors such as sediment transport rates and beach erosion to determine net long-term erosion.