Articles tagged with Geology
The Geological Society of America recognized James W. Head, Jerry X. Mitrovica, Brandon Schmandt, and others for their groundbreaking contributions to geology. The GSA also honored individuals for their public service, outstanding achievements in science, and dedication to the profession.
Scientists examine fracking's impact on water, air, and human health through research that is still being played catch-up. The medical geology field has emerged to address the shale gas boom's concerns about environmental issues.
Mr. Stan Pittman has been honored with the William B Heroy Jr. Award for his over a decade-long service to the AGI community, including financial roles and educational contributions. He is also recognized for his 55-year career in petroleum geology.
The Geological Society of America has published three Special Papers in celebration of its 125th anniversary, showcasing advances in geosciences, technologies, and societal impacts. The volumes highlight the past 50 years' progress, from understanding plate tectonics to exploring space and developing new technologies.
A NASA team outlines priorities for a future Europa lander mission to study its potential habitability. The mission would investigate the composition and chemistry of Europa's ocean and the thickness, uniformity, and dynamics of its icy shell.
Carnegie scientists found that plant communities are stronger predictors of ecosystem chemistry than environmental conditions. The study used a new airborne instrument to map multiple ecosystem chemicals and found that plant composition explains up to 61% of variation in plant chemical traits.
Dennis Trombatore has been named the 2012 winner of the William B. Heroy Award for his exceptional service to the American Geosciences Institute. He will be honored for his work strengthening the GeoRef Database, improving access to geoscience resources.
Researchers at UC Davis are presenting innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, including electrification of vehicles and producing biofuels. The university is also exploring celestial superfluids, which offer potential breakthroughs in materials science and technology.
Kent State University geology professors Rodney Feldmann and Carrie Schweitzer report on the discovery of a 360-million-year-old fossil shrimp in Oklahoma. The ancient crustacean's muscles are remarkably well-preserved, providing valuable insights into its evolution.
Dr. William R. Muehlberger, a renowned geologist, is awarded the Marcus Milling Legendary Geoscientist Medal for his groundbreaking work in tectonics and exceptional service to the geoscience community. He has supervised over 90 Ph.D. theses and trained astronauts in geology.
Kansas State University is using a Second Life island called TerraWorld to help high school students learn geology through interactive simulations. Students can explore different time periods, complete quests and scavenger hunts, and interact with virtual role models.
Researchers from the University of Leicester and British Geological Survey have devised a method to identify levels of environmental arsenic by testing toenail clippings. They found elevated levels of arsenic in people living close to a former arsenic mine, but more research is needed to confirm potential health risks.
Researchers detected large gas reservoirs in mid-crust rocks using seismic method, contradicting conventional wisdom about gas-anomaly locations. Gas-filled tiny fissures in rocks cause significant decrease in seismic wave velocity.
A new study by UC Davis researchers found that the Loma Prieta fault exhibits more stresses and slip directions in its aftershocks than previously thought. The findings suggest a more complex deformation pattern, contradicting previous assessments of the fault's weakness.
Researchers identify correlation between 3D basin geometry and observed shaking in previous earthquakes, leading to improved construction and seismic hazard assessments. A new tool for evaluating site conditions is also proposed, which could aid in risk assessment for earthquake-prone regions worldwide.
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.
Carnegie Institution's Marilyn Fogel receives Fulbright grant for astrobiology research, tracing phenomena and exploring life on Mars. The grant supports her work with the AMASE team in Svalbard, a Norwegian island similar to Martian geology.
A study by Kevin Svitana found that an underground aquifer containing toxic chemicals is being kept trapped beneath old riverbeds, preventing them from reaching the Ohio River. The unique interaction between the aquifer and river appears to be due to the presence of permeable sands and gravels in the subsurface geology.
Russell G. Slayback receives the William B. Heroy Jr. Award for his exceptional long-term service to AGI, while Warren D. Allmon is recognized for his outstanding contribution to public understanding of geoscience through his work at PRI.
The Centralia, PA underground coal fire has been burning since 1962 and is still active today. Temperature measurements indicate the fire advances at an average rate of 66 feet per year, with some months showing little movement.
Researchers found that scientists tend to accept research from reputable organizations without requiring supporting data. The 'Exxon factor' phenomenon shows how company reputation and large-scale facilities can carry weight over empirical evidence.
Researchers found that spines on Spondylus regis increase its surface area, providing a hospitable environment for epibionts. This indirect protection reduces overall predation on the bivalve.