The Sierra Nevada mountain range in California has a complex history, with two distinct periods of formation. The ancient range was formed around 100 million years ago as a volcanic chain, but was later dwarfed by a vast plateau. Volcanic activity around 40 million to 20 million years ago lifted the Earth's surface, forming new mountai...
SourceStanford University·JournalGeological Society of America Special Papers·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2021
Researchers found three phases of landscape development over 800 years, influenced by wars, politics and climate. Wars led to devastation and 'renaturalization', while agriculture and settlements had a lasting impact.
SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateOct 22, 2021
A new study quantifies landscape changes on barrier islands, revealing that storms can create habitat for coastal species. The research found varying impacts from two hurricanes, Irene and Sandy, which reshaped Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalApplied Geography·TypeObservational study·DateSep 28, 2021
A comprehensive investigation of a lake landscape in southern Wendland reveals that strong rises and falls in water levels were caused by climate changes, soil erosion, and vegetation. The study provides valuable insights into how landscapes respond to climatic shifts and offers clues for predicting future changes.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalEarth Surface Processes and Landforms·DateSep 16, 2021
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
A new study finds that river systems exhibit lateral migration of channels, reorganizing drainage patterns into a dendritic structure. This phenomenon is not captured by existing numerical models and has significant implications for understanding river evolution and land use planning.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2021
Researchers developed a laboratory device to mimic landscape formation, finding that hillslope processes play a key role in shaping valleys. The study's findings support a popular theory on landscape evolution, suggesting a scale-dependent balance between tumbling sediments and runoff processes.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2015
Thomas A. Steven, a retired USGS research field geologist, received the 7th Annual Dibblee Medal for his outstanding contributions to field geology and geologic mapping. He was recognized for his work on complex volcanic structures, genesis of ore deposits, and landscape evolution.