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Aftershocks of 1959 earthquake rocked Yellowstone in 2017-18

A study found that the earthquakes were caused by subsurface movement of magma and fluid movement in Yellowstone. The swarm was divided into two clusters, one with Hebgen Lake aftershocks and another with a different origin. Researchers concluded that the events highlight the ongoing nature of earthquakes.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 23, 2019
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.

Magma is the key to the moon's makeup

Researchers at Yale University and Japan offer an explanation for the moon's composition, suggesting that magma played a key role in its formation. The new model suggests that 80% of the moon is made up of proto-Earth materials, contradicting previous theories that suggested the impactor was responsible.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 29, 2019

What does the future of Kilauea hold?

Volcano seismologist Jacqueline Caplan-Auerbach studies Loihi's 1996 eruption for parallels to Kilauea's 2018 activity, suggesting a caldera collapse mechanism. Loihi's recent increase in seismicity may indicate magma replenishment, predicting Kilauea could be quiet for a decade before reactivating.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateApr 26, 2019

A first glimpse deep beneath an ultraslow-spreading mid-ocean ridge

Researchers used advanced electromagnetic technology to create images of an ultraslow-spreading mid-ocean ridge, revealing new insights into the formation of black smokers and subsea metal deposits. The study provides groundbreaking information about the subsurface distribution of different rock types and melts, shedding light on funda...

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature·DateMar 22, 2019
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.

'Amazing snapshots' plumb volcanic depths

A University of Queensland-led study reveals how quickly magma moves to the surface, providing a better understanding of volcanic systems. The research also sheds light on the internal 'plumbing' of volcanoes, improving frameworks for monitoring eruptions and unrest.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateFeb 28, 2019

New study suggests possibility of recent underground volcanism on Mars

A new study argues that recent magmatic activity must have occurred underneath the surface of Mars for liquid water to exist beneath the kilometer-and-a-half thick ice cap. The research suggests that volcanic activity in the planet's subsurface could be providing heat to generate liquid water today.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 12, 2019
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

The final stage before a big bang?

A team of vulcanologists from ETH Zurich has found evidence suggesting the Phlegraean Fields are in the early stage of a new caldera cycle, which could lead to another massive eruption. The researchers used rock samples from previous eruptions to reconstruct the conditions in the crust and create a model of the cycle.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 20, 2018

Smaller, more frequent eruptions affect volcanic flare-ups

A team of geoscientists studied the Taupo Volcanic Zone in New Zealand, finding that smaller eruptions reset magma chambers over decades to centuries. This understanding can aid predictions of similar eruptions and mitigate supereruptions.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 11, 2018

Volcano researcher learns how Earth builds supereruption-feeding magma systems

Guilherme Gualda and his students studied magma storage-depth evolution in the Taupo Volcanic Zone. They found that magma moved closer to the surface with each successive eruption, likely preventing supereruptions. The dynamic nature of the crust allowed for frequent, smaller eruptions to occur, preventing a massive eruption.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 10, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Weathering of early Earth rocks

Researchers analyzed silicon and oxygen isotopes in zircon crystals to infer the presence of sedimentary rocks, such as cherts or banded iron formations, on early Earth. The findings suggest that these rocks may have existed over 4 billion years ago, providing a window into the planet's primordial chemistry.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2018

Study finds deep subterranean connection between two Japan volcanoes

Researchers found a common magma source connecting the two volcanoes, which led to changes in behavior before and after an eruption. The study provides new insights into volcano interactions and potential hazards in densely populated areas.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 13, 2018

Yellowstone study explores park's geothermal system

Researchers used deuterium to estimate heat flow in Yellowstone hot springs, accounting for both visible and subsurface water flows. The new method provides an important step towards understanding the complex processes driving Yellowstone's volcano and geothermal features.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateJun 5, 2018
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.

Researchers find new way to estimate magma beneath Yellowstone supervolcano

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a new way to estimate the rate of magma recharge beneath the Yellowstone supervolcano. The team used deuterium in hot springs to calculate the amount of heat and water flowing out, revealing that previous studies underestimated these flows by significant amounts. This study has ...

SourceWashington State University·JournalGeosphere·DateJun 4, 2018

Study suggests ample warning of supervolcano eruptions

Researchers at University of Illinois found geological signs pointing to catastrophic supervolcano eruptions would be detectable hundreds to thousands of years before an eruption. The study suggests that people need not panic, as the precursors to massive eruptions will be long-lasting and far greater than recent seismic activity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 30, 2018

Magma ocean may be responsible for the moon's early magnetic field

Scientists propose a new model where a heavy layer of molten rock sits on top of the Moon's metal core, driving the dynamo and creating a strong magnetic field. This model explains the Moon's early strong magnetic field and its subsequent weakening.

SourceArizona State University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateApr 24, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

New study reveals the secret of magmas that produce global treasures

A new study from the University of the Witwatersrand reveals that magmas can form chromite deposits through decompression as they rise to the surface, producing valuable resources like platinum and chromium. The study suggests that lithostatic pressure reduction plays a vital role in forming these deposits.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 2018

The moon formed inside a vaporized Earth synestia

A new explanation for the Moon's origin proposes it formed inside a rapidly spinning, vaporized rock cloud called a synestia. The model resolves several problems in lunar formation and matches the pattern of the Moon's composition.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateFeb 28, 2018

New insight into how magma feeds volcanic eruptions

Researchers created a scaled-down model of an active volcanic plumbing system to study magma flow through dykes. The novel experimental setup revealed the simultaneous measurement of fluid flow, sub-surface deformation during magma ascent, challenging existing thinking on magma flow.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJournal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research·DateFeb 22, 2018
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.

Tiny crystals could help predict volcanic eruptions

Researchers have discovered tiny crystals forming deep in volcanoes can signal impending eruptions, offering hope for more effective evacuations and early warning systems. The study, led by Dr. Teresa Ubide, uses a new laser technique to examine the composition of these crystals, which may hold the key to predicting volcanic activity.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 23, 2018

Clay minerals on Mars may have formed in primordial steam bath

Researchers propose a new scenario for ancient clay mineral formation on Mars, suggesting clays formed during the planet's creation from molten magma. The steamy atmosphere created by the magma ocean could have converted vast swaths of the surface to clay, leading to the widespread distribution seen today.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·DateDec 6, 2017

A series of fortunate events

Researchers traced ancient zircon minerals' chemical signatures to understand the recycling of carbon from the mantle to the surface. The study suggests a series of fortunate events led to optimal conditions for releasing anomalous amounts of carbon, which in turn shaped the modern carbon cycle.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 27, 2017

When magma prevents volcanic eruptions

Researchers from UNIGE and Roma Tre used thermal and experimental models to explain caldera resurgence, a process that prevents volcanic eruptions. The leftover magma behaves like a 'rubber sheet' due to its higher viscosity, stopping the new magma from reaching the surface.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 24, 2017

Moon's crust underwent resurfacing after forming from magma ocean

A research team recreated the lunar surface's formation and found that the Moon's crust initially formed from rock floating to the surface of a magma ocean. However, secondary processes resurfaced the Moon, exposing a younger, purer layer of plagioclase crust.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 21, 2017
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

New magma pathways after giant lateral volcano collapses

A new study by GFZ scientists suggests that giant lateral collapses can divert the deep paths of magmas, forming new eruptive centres within collapse embayment. This phenomenon is common in regions like the Canary Islands and Hawaii, with implications for understanding intraplate volcanic ocean islands' long-term evolution.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 23, 2017

Zircon as Earth's timekeeper: Are we reading the clock right?

Researchers caution that relying solely on zircon crystals can skew timescales for geological events, potentially millions of years. The findings have implications for understanding volcanic hazards and predicting future risks.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalEarth-Science Reviews·DateOct 22, 2017

Geophysicist finds teaching opportunities in movie mistakes

Geophysicist Seth Stein argues that scientifically inaccurate movies can be used to teach scientific lessons and foster skepticism. He incorporates disaster movies into his classroom lessons, training students to spot errors and seek true explanations.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateOct 22, 2017

Magma chambers have a sponge-like structure

Researchers at ETH Zurich found that supervolcano magma chambers contain a mixture of liquid and crystalline magma. The chambers may exhibit a sponge-like texture, with a mesh structure of crystallised rock and pores containing molten material.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Geoscience·DateOct 5, 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.

Supervolcanoes: A key to America's electric future?

Researchers found concentrated lithium in caldera lakes formed by ancient supervolcanic eruptions. This discovery aims to reduce reliance on single companies or countries for lithium supply, addressing global energy and climate change concerns.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 16, 2017

Getting to the root of Iceland's molten rock origins

A massive circular blob of partially molten rock, approximately 800 kilometers in diameter and 15 kilometers high, has been detected at the core-mantle boundary beneath Iceland. This discovery suggests a link between the ulvazs and rising plumes that feed active hotspots.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 27, 2017

Oregon-led research opens fresh view on volcanic plumbing systems

Researchers have discovered a 'reverse energy cascade' that traps rising magma in the crust, forming massive granite bodies like Yosemite's El Capitan. This process helps build better understanding of volcanoes, their impacts on global climate, and where large volcanoes are likely to occur.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 10, 2017

Predicting eruptions using satellites and math

Researchers are developing a method to forecast volcanic eruptions by analyzing satellite measurements and ground deformation data. By applying data assimilation techniques, they aim to improve predictions of magma movement and pressure buildup beneath volcanoes.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Earth Science·DateJun 28, 2017
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.

Different origins of Cu-Pb-Zn-bearing and W-bearing granites

New research reveals genetic differences between Middle-Late Jurassic Cu-Pb-Zn-bearing and W-bearing granites in the Nanling Range. A proposed model attributes the formation of these granites to asthenosphere upwelling and basaltic magma underplating, driven by palaeo-Pacific plate subduction.

SourceScience China Press·DateJun 26, 2017

Tracking the build-up to volcanic eruptions

ASU scientists develop technique using zircon crystals to trace pulses of heat inside a volcano, which may help better predict risk. The new findings suggest that heat pulses before an eruption both begin and end more abruptly than previously thought.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 2017
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.

Campi Flegrei volcano eruption possibly closer than thought

Researchers at UCL and the Vesuvius Observatory used a new model to investigate Campi Flegrei's unrest, finding a build-up of energy that makes the volcano more susceptible to eruption. The study suggests an increased possibility of eruption in the near future.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 15, 2017

Rock samples indicate water is key ingredient for crust formation

Researchers examined rock samples from the Earth's mantle and found that water penetrated deep into the crust and upper mantle, cooling almost instantly. The discovery supports one side of a long-standing debate on crust formation and could have implications for fighting climate change.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateMay 1, 2017
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.

Copper-bottomed deposits

Scientists at Université de Genève studied over 100,000 combinations to establish a model predicting the amount of copper present in deposits. The researchers found that factors such as magma depth and duration determine the quantity of copper, with optimal conditions ranging from 20 km depth and 2 million years injection time.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 15, 2017

Melting temperature of Earth's mantle depends on water

Researchers found the average temperature of Earth's mantle beneath ocean basins is about 60 degrees Celsius higher than previously thought, thanks to water in deep minerals. This discovery may change our understanding of tectonic plate movements and mantle viscosity.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateMar 2, 2017

The Deccan Traps: Double, double magma trouble

Researchers used time-reversed convection modeling to reconstruct ancient mantle structure, finding a second upwelling contributing to the Deccan Traps eruption. A currently active hotspot, Réunion, was also active 65 million years ago.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 9, 2017
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.

The secret of the supervolcano

Scientists at Uppsala University reveal the secret behind massive volcanic eruptions, discovering chemical clues in quartz crystals that hint at magma assimilating a local rock rich in water, leading to increased gas pressure and catastrophic eruptions.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 26, 2017

Modeling magma to find copper

Researchers from Université de Genève and Saint-Etienne propose a new method to estimate the size of metal deposits by modeling magma degassing. This approach uses high-precision geochronology and could identify deposits with the best potential early in the exploration process.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 12, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Popcorn-rocks solve the mystery of the magma chambers

A team of researchers has found a new explanation for how big magma chambers form in the Earth's crust. They propose that rock fragments from the roof of magma chambers are expelled, like popcorn thrown out of a hot pan, and then float to the top of magma chambers due to boiling gases.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 2, 2016

Enormous dome in central Andes driven by huge magma body beneath it

Researchers have discovered a huge dome in the central Andes formed by a massive magma body beneath it. The Altiplano-Puna plateau, which includes parts of Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile, has been uplifted by about one-fifth due to the injection of magma from below.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 25, 2016

Mt. Aso could erupt much sooner, scientists warn

New faults in Mt. Aso's magma chamber and volcanic cones alter spatial and mechanical properties of the volcano, potentially changing its eruption dynamics. The study suggests that the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake accelerated the timing of a future eruption by creating new channels for magma venting.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience·DateOct 20, 2016

Magma movements foretell future eruptions

Researchers from Uppsala University have analyzed crystals from recent eruptions to understand magma plumbing systems beneath Mt. Cameroon volcano. The findings suggest that shallow magma pockets play a crucial role in priming the volcano for eruption, increasing the likelihood of explosive eruptions.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 7, 2016
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.

Geologic imaging technique measures strength of Earth's outer shell

Researchers developed a method to measure lithosphere strength using magnetotelluric imaging, revealing accurate descriptions of surface structures and correlating with volcanic and seismic activity. This technique may aid understanding of earthquake and volcanic processes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateOct 3, 2016

Alaska's 'Sleeping Lady'

Scientists have overturned traditional interpretations of the Susitna basin in Alaska, discovering that it was formed by a southwest-dipping thrust fault. This finding changes our understanding of the region's geologic evolution and the formation of iconic landmarks like Mount Susitna.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateAug 16, 2016
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Earth's mantle appears to have a driving role in plate tectonics

Researchers found evidence that the mantle flows in a direction ahead of recent changes in plate motion, suggesting it may be responsible for past and current changes. The study also explored magma supply under mid-ocean ridges, finding larger volumes at segment ends than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 28, 2016