Articles tagged with Magma
Scientists have found a much higher water content in the Moon's interior, with concentrations ranging from 64 parts per billion to 5 parts per million. The research suggests that water was preserved from the hot magma present when the Moon formed 4.5 billion years ago.
Researchers examined erosion rates along a Scandinavian Ice Sheet margin over the past 2.7 million years, finding higher delivery rates for the most recent 600,000 years. In another study, ancient river sediments preserved records of California's topography and climate during intense global warming 50 million years ago.
The December 2009 Geosphere issue examines the Stateline fault along the California-Nevada border, revealing right-lateral deformation and extension. The study also investigates crystal-rich magmas of the Tuolumne batholith in the Sierra Nevada range, exploring magma chamber formation and physical processes.
Oceanic core complexes are large elevated massifs formed along slow-spreading mid-ocean ridges. Research by Dr. Bram Murton and colleagues found that these complexes form during periods of reduced magma supply from volcanism, leading to suppressed or absent volcanism.
Scientists confirm volcanic processes in Ethiopian rift are similar to those at world's oceans, suggesting a new sea is forming. The rift tore open along its entire 35-mile length in just days, with magma pushing up through the middle and beginning to 'unzip' it.
This November 2009 GSA Today article features research on microbial mats as evidence for early life, sag pond deposits that reveal seismic activity, and the formation of ooids in ancient sediments. Hillslope weathering patterns are also explored in relation to climate change.
Researchers measured the speed of magma rise during a Plinian eruption, revealing it could ascend from interior to surface within four hours. This rapid ascent raises concerns about the feasibility of timely evacuations and warnings before such eruptions.
Coal outbursts in underground mines are among the major killers, but scientists have long been investigating their precise mechanism. New research suggests that coal outbursts occur through a process similar to explosive volcanic eruptions, driven by high gas pressure inside coal.
Researchers explore geologic evolution of Savu Island, active tectonic maps for the Tibet-Himalaya region, and syntectonic zoning in biotite porphyroblasts. The study also delves into the potential for explosive eruptions and growth patterns of silicic volcanoes.
Researchers at the University of Missouri found that rocks become better insulators and poorer conductors as they heat up, triggering crustal melting. This finding provides new insights into how magmas are formed and will lead to more accurate models of continental collision and mountain belt formation.
A research team led by Purdue Professor Eric Calais has captured the first recorded event of a 'dyking' process that breaks apart tectonic plates and weaks the Earth's lithosphere. This process, previously only theorized, can lead to the formation of oceans and continents.
New research by UCLA geochemists suggests that plate tectonics began more than 4 billion years ago, with ancient mineral grains indicating low heat flow and water presence on Earth during its first 500 million years.
Researchers mapped an elaborate maze of magma chambers beneath Iceland's volcanoes, providing insights into the chemical composition of molten rock and gases released during eruptions. The study suggests that Icelandic volcanoes are likely to have explosive eruptions with devastating local and potential global effects.
A Brown University-led research team has found evidence of water trapped in lunar volcanic glasses, suggesting it was present since the Moon's formation around 4.5 billion years ago. The discovery may shed light on the origin of water on Earth and its presence in the Moon's interior.
Researchers from Carnegie Institution and University of Cape Town used diamonds to trace origin of platinum deposits, suggesting ancient parts of mantle beneath African continent as source. The study's findings may lead to better exploration models and strategies for similar ore deposits.
A team of Cornell researchers has developed a computer model that explains how granulite, a fine-grained metamorphic rock, forms in the Earth's crust. The model reveals that granulite can form at various depths but at similar temperatures as melted rock migrates up through the crust.
Scientists from IRD and University of Chile investigate hot spot volcanism in the central Pacific Ocean. Numerical simulation models reveal an alternative scenario involving shearing strain within tectonic plates. This could lead to a reevaluation of the break-up of the Earth's largest tectonic plate.
Researchers from IRD, CNRS, and Universities worldwide studied oxygen isotope compositions to identify rubies' sources. They found 62% came from mantle origin and 20% from deep continental crust, improving prospecting strategies for these precious stones.
Researchers found that Mars' surface remained molten for 100 million years, implying a thick atmosphere to insulate the planet and slow cooling. This persistence is surprisingly long, with implications for the planet's early history.
Scientists at the University of Utah report that Yellowstone's caldera floor has risen by almost 3 inches per year for three years, with a total uplift of 7 inches during the past 30 months. This rate is more than three times faster than previous observations and may be due to an injection of a Los Angeles-sized blob of molten rock.
Researchers used satellite data to monitor inflation in the Lastarria-Cordon del Azufre volcanic complex, detecting a long wavelength signal indicating possible magmatic activity. A short wavelength signal was also found, likely linked to hydrothermal fluid circulation.
A geologist is working with an international committee to develop an emergency plan for Quito, Ecuador, which sits near an active volcano. The plan aims to educate the public and government officials on the dangers of volcanic eruptions and provide escape routes.
Researchers used magnetic eruptions from the sun to detect a molten rock layer roughly 10 miles thick beneath the American Southwest, challenging existing theories about the Earth's mantle. The discovery provides insights into the formation of rocks and minerals at extreme pressures, paving the way for further studies.
A new study reveals that Yellowstone's volcanic hotspot is much more active than previously believed, exerting powerful forces on the surrounding terrain even between eruptions. The hotspot's effects are evident in the deformation of Earth's crust, with the Yellowstone caldera rising at an unprecedented rate.
A team of scientists led by Dr Tim Wright is studying the Ethiopian rift valley to track the movement of continents. Using satellite radar imaging and other geophysical techniques, they aim to understand how magma moves through the Earth's crust and create a 3D computer model.
A team of researchers found that earthquake swarms can occur anywhere with seismic activity, challenging the long-held assumption that they are only linked to volcanic and geothermal zones. The study suggests that swarminess in these areas may be driven by hot water or magma pushing fault seams apart.
Rapid crystallization of magma near the surface causes it to heat up, potentially triggering volcanic eruptions. The study's findings have important implications for models of magma ascent beneath volcanoes.
Researchers found regions of the earth's crust stretching apart to form new sea floor, a process previously underestimated. The study reveals detachment faults, characterized by curved surfaces and swarms of tiny earthquakes, are common along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
Researchers found ancient lunar impacts that scarring the moon to its core, potentially creating the 'man in the moon' feature. The study suggests a large object hit the far side of the moon, sending a shockwave through the core and affecting the Earth-facing side.
Researchers have discovered a unique layer of molten rocks beneath the Tibetan Plateau, explaining its massive rise over millions of years. The study also reveals that this geological makeup is typical of the entire Himalayan range, not just Tibet.
Researchers found a dramatic change in electrical conductivity at 60 kilometers below the ocean floor, with sound waves traveling rapidly above and slowly below. This discovery sheds new light on the process of forming oceanic crust at mid-ocean ridges.
Researchers used reflected seismic waves to image the structure of the lower crust, finding evidence of multiple magma sills forming at different levels. The study suggests that the base of the oceanic crust is formed from several smaller sources of magma rather than a single large pool.
Researchers used seismic data to create images of solidified lenses and sills embedded in the Earth's crust/mantle boundary, suggesting a complex formation process. The findings imply that the lower oceanic crust is generated from multiple smaller magma sources rather than a single large source.
New research models long-term climate cycles like El Nino, finds molten rock makes big earthquakes bigger, and sheds light on Yellowstone's volcanic activity. A computer simulation produced El Nino-like climate cycles, while another study found that melted rock accelerates plate movement during earthquakes.
The May GEOLOGY media highlights featured articles on the preservation of a unique coal-bearing succession in the Pennsylvanian Joggins Formation and the role of evaporite withdrawal. Seismic profiles also showed that layers of salt were able to flow and rise to the surface, leading to subsidence and preservation. Additionally, researc...
Researchers propose alternative explanation for fault formation at mid-ocean ridges, citing role of magma and rotation of faults. The study suggests that large offset 'oceanic core complex' faults may form due to bending of lithosphere, contradicting the previous standard model.
The Mars rover Opportunity has found evidence that liquid water once flowed through the region of Meridiani Planum, a vast plain on Mars. This discovery suggests that conditions in this area may have been habitable for life at some point in Martian history.
A new study provides a detailed picture of magma and gas movement leading up to the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption, showing that magma stalled at a depth of three to four kilometers beneath the surface. The research sheds light on volcano behavior and offers fresh insights into the cataclysmic event.
Researchers at Bristol University found a link between magma storage depth and eruption explosiveness in the 1980 Mount St Helens eruption. Monitoring isotopic content of gases emitted from the volcano may help predict the next eruption's style and timing.
Scientists at Columbia University's Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory have made new discoveries about the formation of underwater mountains along the Mid-Ocean Ridge. They found that the height and width of these mountains are highly correlated to the direction the ridge and connecting plates move across the planet's surface.
Researchers will examine submicroscopic bubbles in Martian meteorites to search for evidence of water on Mars. They will also use a new instrument to predict future volcanic eruptions by analyzing fluid inclusions in rocks.
Researchers challenge traditional views on volcano eruptions, finding evidence that giant eruptions are significantly less likely than previously thought. They discovered that plutons, which form beneath volcanoes, are built by small molten intrusions over millions of years.
Researchers found that a recent swarm of earthquakes was triggered by the injection of molten rock into the earth's crust. The study suggests that continuous GPS and seismic data can be used to forecast the rate and distribution of damaging earthquakes, potentially saving lives and property.
Scientists found that magma could reach speeds of 200-600 mph, filling parts of the repository within hours. This could displace radioactive canisters and cause extensive damage.
Scientists have detected a bulge in the Earth's crust near South Sister volcano, caused by slow accumulation of molten rock. This has led to an increase in gas emissions and swelling of the ground, raising concerns about potential eruptions.
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.
Researchers have found a massive magma reservoir beneath Mt. Vesuvius in Italy, extending over 400 square kilometers and eight kilometers deep. The reservoir is thought to be a zone of neutral buoyancy, where the magma floats in a trapped layer, and may hold clues to future eruptions.
The MilliWave Viscometer measures viscosity in molten materials, indicating chemistry and quality. It enables feedback control, maximizing waste loading and improving efficiency in glass production, with significant economic impact on environmental clean-up efforts.
Researchers have discovered a 4.4-billion-year-old zircon crystal that suggests the early Earth had a low-temperature environment with water and conditions suitable for life. The findings contradict conventional wisdom, which predicted a magma ocean, and may indicate the Earth cooled faster than thought.
Researchers found evidence of liquid water on Earth 4.4 billion years ago, contradicting previous views on the planet's formation. The discovery suggests an early Earth with conditions that could support life, raising questions about the moon's formation and potential for life.
Researchers propose a new understanding of granite formation, suggesting it occurs in rapid, dynamic events that take between 1,000 and 100,000 years. This challenges the long-held view of slow, multi-million year processes, and has significant implications for our understanding of crust formation and economic ore deposits.
Researchers propose that deep mantle volcanic plumes caused a sudden increase in oxygen levels, allowing for the emergence of life. The theory suggests that these plumes, rich in iron oxide, were fueled by buried magma and led to the formation of glaciers.
Using brittle failure theory, University of Michigan researcher Youxue Zhang can calculate the likelihood of fragmentation for a given magma sample based on composition, water content, and temperature. This calculation may help predict when a volcanic eruption will become deadly.
Researchers have discovered two distinct rock types at the base of the mantle, which are moving laterally and interacting with the liquid iron outer core. This finding has significant implications for plate tectonics and our understanding of the Earth's geological history.
A new study confirms that magma is forcing Long Valley Caldera to rise, which could lead to a volcanic eruption in the future. The researchers used precise gravity measurements to distinguish between magma and water, finding a systematic increase in mass beneath the resurgent dome.
Scientists at UCSC discovered the origin of the Hawaiian plume, a massive hot rock rising through the Earth and building islands for 80 million years. The research uses seismic waves to analyze the structure beneath Hawaii, revealing a localized transition from horizontal to vertical flow at the core-mantle boundary layer.
Bruce Marsh's groundbreaking discovery in Antarctica reveals a network of interconnected vertical columns with crystalline mush, overturning a long-held concept. This new understanding is being carefully laid out methodically and precisely, promising to reshape the discipline of magmatism.
Research at Cambridge and Oxford universities is using magnetic forces to levitate, stir and dam molten metal, reducing pollution and increasing efficiency. New devices are producing high-quality sheet metal with reduced edges and improved aluminum smelting costs.
Researchers found a direct correlation between high nitrate levels and nitrogen-rich bedrock in California's Sierra Nevada mountain range. Nitrogen-rich rocks released into the environment can cause massive algae blooms and affect human health.
Researchers estimate a new volcano could erupt in northern California within 400,000 years due to a magma chamber discovered 20 kilometers into the earth's crust. The Lake Pillsbury area, near San Francisco, is identified as a possible location for the eruption.