Articles tagged with Geology
A Planetary Science Institute-led team, led by Than Putzig, has been selected to investigate the potential for a large underground cave extending beyond the opening of a lunar pit. The project, Geophysical Instruments for Marius Lunar pit Investigation, will use ground-penetrating radar, seismic sensors, and gravimeter to search for an...
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that ancient ocean chemistry created a self-sustaining cycle that kept oxygen levels high after they first rose. This cycle, fueled by phosphorus recycling, allowed for biological productivity and maintained oxygen in the atmosphere.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have redated a meteor impact site in Oklahoma, shifting its age from 467.5 million years ago to 370 million years ago. This discovery has significant implications for understanding ancient life and mass extinctions.
Researchers found that montmorillonite inhibits chloropyromorphite aggregation by increasing negative surface charge, while goethite promotes rapid aggregation through charge neutralisation. Divalent calcium ions accelerate CPY settling through charge screening and cation bridging.
Researchers detected a short-lived bulge at the volcano, attributing it to a million cubic meters of magma pouring into an existing magma reservoir. The finding demonstrates the effectiveness of Virginia Tech's early-stage alert system for volcanic activity.
A research team integrated deep drilling, geophysical surveys, and 3D geological modeling to study Jiaodong's gold deposits. They found that fault-dip inflections and gently dipping faults control the spatial distribution of gold orebodies, refining the step-wise mineralization model for hydrothermal vein-type gold deposits.
Researchers found that magma fragmentation occurs across different depths, temperatures, and stages of an eruption, revealing a protracted process that covers time and space. This discovery could refine assumptions used in computer models of eruptions and improve predictions of volcanic activity.
A giant volcanic eruption 21.9 million years ago buried an entire landscape beneath volcanic deposits, preserving clues to how the Andes were built. The study found that the landscape was built slowly, with rocks pushed upward by 0.26 km every million years.
A new species of Jurassic squid-like animal, Wyoteuthis linsterorum, has been discovered in Wyoming, USA, with an unusually thick, barrel-shaped skeleton. The discovery, made by an international team of researchers, confirms the existence of an ancient family of belemnites previously thought to have disappeared millions of years earlier.
GSA Connects 2026 is a premier event for geoscientists, featuring new research, discussions on emerging challenges, and exploration of developments across the geosciences. Media representatives can register for credentials and connect with researchers, covering the science presented at the meeting.
The GSA opposes the significant reductions to Bears Ears and Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monuments, which preserve exceptional records of Earth history and support ongoing scientific discoveries. The organization calls for the restoration of boundaries and long-term stewardship of these irreplaceable landscapes.
Researchers develop field-calibrated design correlations for large-diameter bored piles in layered ground, improving reliability in shaft resistance prediction. The study evaluates shaft resistance layer by layer, delivering crucial insights for detailed foundation design in soil-rock transition environments.
Researchers discovered the world's highest late Middle Pleistocene marine deposits on the southern margin of the Central Anatolian Plateau, with deposits reaching 1177m above sea level. The findings provide a rare high-resolution temporal benchmark linking marine deposition to deep-seated geodynamic processes.
A new study suggests that a magnetic field existed in the infant solar system, possibly playing a role in shaping the sun and early planets. The discovery was made in ancient meteorite dust, which preserved records of the magnetic field's strength and intensity.
Researchers Dr. Page Quinton and Dr. Michael Rygel will investigate ancient water chemistry to shed light on life on land and energy resources. The project will provide hands-on research experience for undergraduates and analyze Devonian-Permian sedimentary rocks.
High-resolution sediment samples off the coast of Brazil show that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation was more dynamic than previously thought during the Heinrich Event. The circulation was strengthened in two periods, impacting tropical precipitation patterns and carbon storage in the ocean.
Petroleum science is at a historic turning point, facing 100 grand challenges that span six domains. The challenges include low-carbon transition, AI-driven solutions, and interdisciplinary collaboration to address issues like CCUS, geothermal energy, and hydrogen energy.
Scientists propose a colossal cliff across ancient North America may have exposed Grand Canyon's oldest rocks nearly a billion years before it was carved by the Colorado River. The study suggests the 'great escarpment' of steep rocky cliffs formed when the supercontinent Rodinia broke apart 800 million years ago.
Prolonged greenhouse warming during the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum caused rapid forest thinning, reshaped plant communities, and reduced vegetation carbon storage. Modern forests may lose capacity to store carbon, accelerating climate change.
A 304-million-year-old warming event could inform scientists about rapidly changing Earth conditions. A small temperature spike led to a larger one from melting permafrost, with global sea surface temperatures rising by over 7 degrees Celsius.
Researchers analyzed millions of high-frequency turbidity measurements to reconstruct daily sediment movement, revealing a major shift: Rivers are becoming more 'bursty', with a 20-day decrease in the time it takes to transport 90% of their annual sediment. This change can overwhelm water treatment systems and damage aquatic habitats.
A new study presents high-resolution nitrogen isotope records from the Tarim Basin, documenting a persistent depth-dependent redox gradient across the basin. The findings support the hypothesis that stepwise shallow-ocean oxygenation modulated the multi-phase trajectory of the Cambrian Explosion.
Researchers developed a method to detect water ice on the moon using seismic waves, which can travel faster through frozen soil. This discovery is critical for NASA's Artemis program, which aims to send crewed landings to the moon's south polar region in 2028.
A new study has mapped landslide hazard zones across the US, revealing that 6.5 million Americans live in areas prone to landslides. The research highlights a significant urban-rural divide in disaster preparedness, with rural residents facing greater challenges in recovering from such events.
Researchers analysed stone blocks and bricks from the Dutch East India Company's ship Batavia, revealing the materials came from at least two different quarry areas in what is now Germany. The study used advanced geochemical techniques to trace the origin of the cargo, uncovering hidden details about global trade routes.
The Genesis Mission aims to accelerate breakthroughs in energy, scientific discovery and national security through AI-powered research. Texas A&M University has joined the initiative, contributing to a unified discovery platform connecting government, industry, academia and philanthropy.
Recent research suggests Venus is geologically active, with evidence of recent rifting and volcanic activity. Computer models indicate that rift flanks can form along the edges of rift valleys, widening rapidly over time.
A UMaine-led research team has been awarded the inaugural DOE Genesis Mission to develop AI-powered models that simulate the impact of microbes on underground chemical reactions. The project aims to improve predictions in groundwater management, environmental remediation, and energy infrastructure planning.
Researchers found that when bedding strata incline above the topographic slope, rainwater infiltrates deep into the subsurface through fractures. In contrast, on dip slopes with aligned bedding direction, landslide landforms develop due to rapid runoff after rainfall events.
Ester Sztein, GSA's Director of International Programs, receives the AGI Award for her work in expanding access to geoscience education and fostering international collaboration. The award recognizes Sztein's commitment to increasing public awareness of the critical role geoscientists play in addressing societal challenges.
A new study by NTU Singapore reveals that major earthquakes can trigger decades-long land sinking in Southeast Asia, affecting relative sea-level projections. This phenomenon may underestimate coastal flood risks for low-lying regions if not accounted for in sea-level modeling.
A UH Mānoa study reveals the Hawaiian mantle plume has gotten hotter, producing two of the largest volcanoes in the Main Hawaiian Island chain. The research found a strong correlation between mantle temperatures and volcano size, with heat surges occurring at 14-20 million years ago and 0-6 million years ago.
Scientists used a new method to measure Earth's temperature over the Phanerozoic period, finding past temperatures were around 10 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The study suggests that natural processes have regulated the planet's climate for millions of years, and humans must take action to maintain a habitable range.
New research proposes a new model for understanding mud volcano behavior, revealing that large flows grow progressively through repeated small events. A hidden layer beneath the surface acts as a lubricant, allowing overlying mud to slide slowly, reshaping the landscape in ways not immediately visible.
Researchers have found evidence that water played a major role in shaping the Earth's interior and driving volcanic activity over 3.1 billion years ago. The study suggests that another process called 'dripduction' may have been transporting water into the mantle, influencing the formation of volcanic rocks.
A study by Professor Masaki Yoshida suggests that there is a physically meaningful upper limit to viscosity beyond which materials effectively become rigid. The research found that the maximum viscosity inferred from stable lithospheric regions is around 10^30 Pa s, making it roughly 10^33 times greater than water's viscosity.
Researchers found that the formation of escarpments and mountains in East Antarctica created high ground for snow and ice to accumulate. This led to the initial ice sheet formation 34 million years ago, allowing it to spread across the continent and eventually become the largest ice sheet on Earth.
A new study suggests that slow uplift of the continent played a critical role in forming Antarctica's vast East Antarctic Ice Sheet. The research, published in Science, proposes that geological and climatic events that began over 120 million years ago led to rapid ice-sheet expansion.
A review paper synthesizes nearly 20 years of research on the Great Barrier Reef's responses to sea-level shifts, finding five distinct reef phases that formed, drowned, and reformed over 30,000 years. The study highlights the reefs' dynamic nature and reveals they were shaped by multiple environmental pressures.
Researchers found that 77% of rocks analyzed cooled at roughly the same time between 5-7 million years ago, providing direct evidence for a massive uplift event. This timing coincides with a previously known event during which the Pacific plate rotated, causing widespread deformation and uplift along the Ring of Fire.
Glenn Thackray takes the helm as GSA President, focusing on advancing geoscience research, education, and public service. With a strong background in leadership experience and passion for mentoring the next generation of scientists, Thackray aims to strengthen the Society's impact.
Researchers found that the Andes of west-central Argentina formed in four distinct and rapid pulses of activity, each lasting about 5 to 8 million years. This growth rate is faster and more punctuated than previously thought, outpacing the steady timeline expected from subduction.
A study by geoscientists at the University of Sydney reveals why some ancient continental edges became fertile sites for major mineral deposits, while others did not. The research developed a dynamic model of the Earth going back 1.8 billion years to identify how mineralised ores formed in specific places.
Researchers have found evidence of ancient human DNA on cave walls, even where bones or artifacts are absent. The discovery opens up new possibilities for studying prehistoric human behavior without disturbing archaeological deposits.
The Geological Society of America (GSA) is hosting GSA Connects 2026, a premier international gathering in the geoscience community. Abstracts are welcomed across various topics and disciplines, with a focus on cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary dialogue.
The 'Hess Evolution' expedition aims to uncover the origin and age of Hess Rise, a vast volcanic plateau. Researchers will analyze rock samples collected from depths of up to 6,000 meters to determine if they reveal systematic age patterns across the plateau.
Researchers developed a digital twin framework to predict permafrost degradation in Alaska's thawing permafrost. The framework uses real-time measurements and AI to simulate the physical properties of frozen soil, enabling more accurate predictions of climate change impact.
Researchers propose a thermochemical mantle plume formation process for the Ontong Java Plateau, contradicting previous hypotheses. The model explains spatial variations in crustal thickness and lava composition across the plateau.
A University of Michigan study finds that North America has sufficient rare earth element deposits to support a domestic supply chain, but most are of lower quality than those in China and Australia. The US could prioritize light rare earth elements and cooperate with Canada on heavy ones.
A new study reveals that Antarctic glaciers are speeding up and moving towards the ocean due to meltwater draining from their surface to their base. This process, known as hydrofracturing, reduces friction and accelerates glacier movement.
A new study in Geology has discovered evidence of a major impact event about 3.5 billion years ago on the Moon, matching the ages of known impacts on Earth and in the asteroid belt. The discovery provides a key link to the history of the inner solar system and sheds light on catastrophic events that may have affected early life on Earth.
Researchers found that superheating in magma delays crystal formation, allowing magma to rise rapidly and potentially promoting dramatic lava fountaining behaviour. This discovery helps address a long-standing scientific debate on how magma's thermal history influences crystallisation processes before and during eruptions.
Researchers tracked microbial community shifts across six sites over four years and discovered that each site had its own stable microbial community. These communities were organized around two broad groups of microbes, with stable microbes maintaining core processes and responsive microbes capitalizing on new opportunities.
Joshua Martin will serve as a GSA-sponsored Congressional Science Fellow, bringing geoscience expertise to Capitol Hill. The announcement marks the 40th anniversary of the GSA-USGS Congressional Science Fellowship, which aims to integrate actionable Earth science into federal decision-making.
A new study reveals that the Antarctic ice sheet responded sharply to climate change following a major shift in Earth's ice age cycles. The simulation found that below a critical atmospheric CO2 level, the amplitude of Antarctic ice variations increases in response to changes in temperatures.
Researchers from Cambridge's Department of Earth Sciences mapped CO2-rich igneous rocks, finding their distribution is strongly tied to variations in Earth's lithosphere. The findings could guide the search for new rare earth deposits, particularly along the edges of thick and ancient continents.
The study shows a significant 5°C warming of intermediate waters at 800m depth in the equatorial Atlantic over the last 11,000 years. This warming is not mirrored by changes in tropical sea surface temperatures, indicating an extratropical origin.
The University of Utah is launching a groundbreaking testbed, SMART, to accelerate the development of breakthrough technologies in rare earth elements. The initiative aims to strengthen domestic supply chains and address the nation's growing need for critical minerals.
Scientists found that meltwater destabilized methane hydrates beneath northwest Greenland, releasing large stores of methane. This process may have contributed to past climate events and could influence future climate change as polar ice sheets continue to retreat.
Stephanie Plaza-Torres, a geoscientist with a background in paleontology and geochemistry, has been named the 2026-2027 GSA-USGS Congressional Science Fellow. She will support legislative work on issues where science informs public decisions.