Articles tagged with Mountains
Researchers discuss catastrophic rock avalanches, evidence of ancient rainfall, and geological phenomena in the High Atlas Mountains, western United States, and Italy. The studies provide insights into Earth's history, including a 4.5 ka seismic event, tectonic settings, and paleoprecipitation patterns.
Scientists have discovered a late Triassic tectono-thermal event in southern Mexico, synchronous with a magmatic arc hiatus, suggesting flat-slab subduction. Additionally, research has found evidence of giant mantle plume activity in ancient Australia and Argentina, providing insight into the Earth's thermal structure.
A 39-year study reveals that more than two-thirds of alpine flowers have changed their blooming patterns in response to climate change. The blooming season has lengthened by a month, with different species responding in unexpected ways. This change is expected to have strong effects on pollinating insects and migratory birds.
A 39-year study reveals that more than two-thirds of alpine flowers have changed their blooming pattern in response to warmer climate. The bloom season has lengthened by one month, with different species responding in unexpected ways, impacting pollinating insects and migratory birds.
Research at Umeå University and University of Antwerp found that alien plants successfully penetrate alpine vegetation in subarctic mountain areas. Human transportation on roads and walking tracks facilitates their invasion. Climate warming also contributes to the success of introduced species.
Researchers investigate parallel mountain chains, rift flank uplift, and unique episodes in Earth's history. They use computer models and experimental data to understand the timing of uplift and crustal extension during rifting processes.
Studies using an artificial watercourse, called a flume, found that steeper streams require more water to move sediment than previously thought. In very steep channels, sediment motion is often triggered by complete bed failure, resulting in catastrophic events.
Articles in GSA Bulletin explore the impact of geological processes on rivers and coastlines. Researchers examined river morphology in Oregon, coastal responses to sea-level changes in Brazil, and aditification differentiation in NE Iran, providing insights into the effects of tectonics and environmental changes.
A University of British Columbia study challenges the Lake Louise Score Questionnaire's reliability in diagnosing acute mountain sickness. Removing sleep quality from the questionnaire increased its accuracy, suggesting that unnecessary treatments may be administered to some individuals and others may not receive necessary treatment.
A new study reveals that the Atlas Mountains are floating on a layer of superhot rock, challenging the traditional model of mountain structure. The researchers used seismometers to measure the thickness of the lithosphere beneath the mountains and found it to be only about 35 km deep.
A new test can identify people at risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS) by measuring O2 saturation and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE). This test could help prevent AMS symptoms by suggesting specific behaviors and medications for susceptible individuals.
This issue of Lithosphere features studies on the Great Slave Lake shear zone in northwest Canada, which provides insight into the deep structure of ancient mountain belts. The research also explores the tectonic development of the Tibetan Plateau, revealing that faults responsible for its formation are restricted within the crust.
Researchers propose a method to convert CO2 into stable magnesite, which could help curb global warming by sequestering greenhouse gas emissions. The technique uses ultramafic rocks and temperatures between 53°F and 86°F to form the mineral.
Research suggests that decreasing winter winds are a primary driver of streamflow declines and reduced precipitation in the Pacific Northwest mountains. This decrease can lead to increased wildfire risk, earlier and lower streamflows, and decreased water availability for communities and industries.
A new, 30-foot-long dinosaur has been discovered in Utah, revealing a key gap in the fossil record of large predatory dinosaurs in North America. The discovery indicates that carcharodontosaurs dominated the ecosystem for longer than previously thought, before tyrannosaurs took over.
A study by researchers from Duke University found that exposure to multiple brands with different personalities can make a focal brand seem more distinctive. Consumers are more likely to buy Mountain Dew when it's paired with a dissimilar brand like Honda, especially at faster-than-normal commercial speeds.
A team of researchers from Australia has discovered a high-altitude species of sedge in Tasmania, Lepidosperma monticola, which is unique to alpine vegetation and the smallest known species of the genus. The new species grows on mountains at elevations above 700m and can be distinguished by its fruit morphology.
Two new species of green flame moths, Parasa viridiflamma and Parasa minwangi, are discovered from China and Taiwan. The moths have a distinctive green pattern on their wings and feed exclusively on pine trees, showcasing conifer-feeding behavior in the Limacodidae family.
A new study by UCSB researcher Michael Singer shows that sediment-absorbed mercury is being transported from the Sierra Nevada mountains to the Central Valley lowlands through major floods. This process poses a huge risk to the region's ecosystems and human population, as mercury-laden sediment is carried into ecologically sensitive re...
A recent study assesses the economic viability of salvaging standing timber killed by mountain pine beetles in western US states. While some regions like Idaho, Montana, Washington, Oregon, California, and South Dakota can generate positive net revenues from salvage, others like Colorado and Wyoming face losses due to saturated markets.
The new field guide delves into the geological history of the Rocky Mountains, spanning over 1.7 billion years. The book also examines the effects of unprecedented heavy rains and catastrophic flooding that hit the region in 2013, causing widespread destruction and altering the landscape.
The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) awarded five people Advocacy Travel Awards to support their attendance at the 2013 World Conference on Lung Cancer in Sydney. The awards provide conference registration, accommodations, a free IASLC Membership, and a travel stipend.
A new study reveals that lightning strikes significantly control the evolution of mountain landscapes, especially summit areas, by blasting rocks and creating angular debris. This finding has vast implications for food security and water supply, particularly in southern Africa.
The Sangre por Salud Biobank is a collaboration among Mayo Clinic, Mountain Park Health Center, and Arizona State University to support studies in obesity, metabolism and diabetes in the Latino population. The biobank aims to enroll 2,000 participants over four years, with a special emphasis on cardiometabolic risk and obesity.
A recent study found that the concentration of essential oil in Rocky Mountain juniper leaves varies from 0.335% to 0.799% and is affected by seasonal changes and tree gender, with male trees generally having higher oil content.
The Rim Fire has burned over 40,000 acres within Yosemite National Park, destroying at least 111 structures. Firefighters are optimistic that containment can be achieved by September 20, 2013, with the rate of spread slowing in recent days.
African mountain bamboos have been identified as distinct genera, Bergbambos and Oldeania, with features significantly different from Asian counterparts. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of African bamboos, suggesting they may be remnants of the earliest temperate bamboos to spread to Asia.
Scientists sequenced entire genomes of high-altitude individuals and found 11 regions with significant differences between those with chronic mountain sickness and healthy controls. The study identified two genes, SENP1 and ANP32D, which were expressed more in individuals with the condition in response to low oxygen levels.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have decoded the genetic basis of chronic mountain sickness, a disease affecting Andean highlanders. They found two genes, ANP32D and SENP1, that are overexpressed in CMS individuals and may hold key to treating the condition.
The Gold Pan Complex Fire in Idaho burned 17,103 acres of mixed conifer forest, fueled by dead trees and insects like the mountain pine beetle. High temperatures trapped smoke in valley bottoms.
Researchers have identified over 100 species of small predatory beetles in Tahiti, with 28 newly described in the open-access journal ZooKeys. These beetles have evolved to lose their flight wings and are highly specialized to specific habitats.
Scientists analyzed 500-year-old Inca mummies to uncover the truth behind the 'capacocha' ritual, revealing that children consumed coca and alcohol before sacrifice. The findings provide new insights into the ancient practice, which was used to sedate children before their death.
Researchers studied China's Qinling and Tibetan Plateau orogens, finding evidence of late-stage foreland growth. In India, scientists proposed a cost-effective method for locating diamonds using geological, geochemical, and geochronological data. Additionally, a Middle Paleozoic continental arc was identified in southern China, providi...
A new study projects a 56% drop in Oregon's peak snowpack by mid-century, with significant impacts on ecosystems, agriculture, and hydropower. The study highlights the risks facing low-elevation, mountainous regions where snow often falls near freezing temperatures.
Researchers investigate the solid Earth's influence on sea level changes, divergent geologic histories in North America, and 'ghost glaciers' in Greenland. The study also examines the Picuris Orogeny in New Mexico and the Cryogenian Perry Canyon Formation in Utah.
Researchers at Brown University found evidence of orographic precipitation causing water-carved valleys on Mars, indicating ancient snowfall. The study's findings shed light on early Martian climate and atmosphere.
Research reveals a significant increase in nighttime heat waves in the Pacific Northwest, with quadrupled events between 1980 and 2013. The study suggests high humidity plays a key role in triggering these extreme temperature events, which can have devastating health effects.
The Mountain Fire in California started on July 15 and has since spread to the San Jacinto Wilderness. As of July 18, the fire has burned over 22,800 acres with 15% containment.
A new Anagnorisma moth species was found in Iran's Binaloud Mountain, with a wingspan of 34-35 mm and characteristics similar to its sister species A. eucratides from eastern Afghanistan. The study provides insights into the diversity of Noctuidae moths in the region.
The Mountain Fire in California is a raging wildfire that has destroyed residences and commercial buildings, with some homes saved by firefighters. The fire is being fought by 2241 personnel, including aircraft, engines, and hand-crews, in the San Jacinto Wilderness.
A new study finds that global sea levels could rise by more than 2 meters due to the melting of Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. The research suggests that Antarctica will contribute half of this rise, while Greenland will add another quarter.
A study by Brown University found that three out of five hikers brought seven or fewer items, while only 18 percent packed all 10 essential items. Young and inexperienced hikers were most likely to lack multiple items recommended by the State of New Hampshire's HikeSafe program.
Studies in Western Europe reveal local forces driving tectonic activity, while a paper on the Osa Peninsula describes rapid vertical deformation of crustal blocks. Another study examines the extension of an orogenic wedge through the exhumation of high-pressure terranes in Norway.
Two special issues of Geosphere cover the India-Asia collision in the Himalaya and the origin of the Colorado River System II. The articles also explore other geological features such as the Jemez Mountains volcanic field and the Alabama and western Georgia Blue Ridge.
Researchers found that 2 days of staging at a moderate altitude is as effective as 4 days in preventing acute mountain sickness, allowing soldiers to ascend safer and quicker. The study used male soldiers ascending Pike's Peak in Colorado, with 73% showing symptoms of AMS on direct ascent versus 30-40% on staged ascents.
Researchers tracked 20 mountain lions over six years, finding that habitat fragmentation affects pumas' physiology, behavior, and ecology. The study helps identify corridors where pumas travel between high-quality habitats, aiding conservation efforts in human-dominated landscapes.
Researchers study Carboniferous collision in central Asia, crystal xenoliths in Bolivia, and the Tsakhir Event in southern Mongolia. The GSA Bulletin also examines iron oxide deposits in Brazil, paleotopography of Norway, and the Cheyenne belt suture zone.
A new study finds that importing freshwater to irrigate crops has dramatically increased the natural saltiness of Saharan groundwater, endangering date palm farming. The researchers discovered a previously overlooked low-saline water source that dilutes the saltiness of nearby groundwater aquifers.
Geladas' vocal lip-smacks exhibit speech-like undulating rhythms, matching human speech patterns. This finding supports the idea that lip-smacking could be an evolutionary step toward human speech.
A new rare species of Allium, Allium formosum, has been discovered in Kyrgyzstan, closely related to the previously undetected Allium spathulatum. The plant is characterized by its elegant habit and beautiful coloration, and its discovery highlights the need for further explorations and plant protection in the area.
Researchers studied detrital zircon Hf isotopic compositions to connect the Alexander terrane in Canada with northern Caledonian granitoids. In California, a kinematic analysis of mélange fabrics near San Simeon reveals sinistral slip on the Nacimiento fault zone. The Western Alps also experienced short-lived fast erosional exhumation ...
Two new species of woodlizards were found in the Peruvian jungle, increasing the country's biodiversity. The newly described lizards, Enyalioides azulae and Enyalioides binzayedi, share a similar territory with slight differences in altitude ranges.
Large chunks of the Farallon oceanic plate are still present under parts of central California and Mexico, according to new research. The researchers used seismic tomography and other data to show that part of the Baja region and part of central California sit atop 'fossil' slabs of the Farallon plate.
A powerful Nor'easter merged two low-pressure areas on March 6, bringing winter weather advisories to the Mid-Atlantic. NASA provided satellite views of the storm's power and movement, showing the heaviest precipitation over New Jersey and Maryland.
Researchers studied wind erosion and sediment traps in the Qaidam basin, rain erosion on Kauai, new insights from the Petrified Forest, a forearc sliver in Costa Rica, and bending and buckling mountain belts. Erosion rates on Kauai vary across a steep rainfall gradient, with modern rates no more than 2.3 times faster than past rates.
A new study finds that climate warming is allowing bark beetles to thrive in previously inhospitable high-elevation forests, posing a significant threat to whitebark pine ecosystems. The insects are attacking trees with weakened defenses, leading to potential cascading effects on mountain ecosystems.
New Geosphere articles explore Sonograms of Earth, a 1138-m-long drill core representing 20 million years of glacial history. The articles also examine alternative hypotheses for the origin of Grand Canyon and solve debates over Death Valley.
Research by Brigham Young University geologists reveals Hawaiian Islands are dissolving from within, with groundwater removing more mineral material than stream water. The study predicts Oahu will continue to grow for up to 1.5 million years before eventually declining in elevation.
Scientists detected over 2,100 unique microbial species in two large dust plumes originating in Asia, significantly higher than the 18 found using traditional culturing methods. The discovery challenges existing understanding of the atmosphere as a conveyor belt and highlights its potential as an ecosystem.
A study found that climate change is affecting boreal bird species populations, with some groups increasing in density while others are declining. The research suggests that habitat-specific responses to climate change may be driving these trends, with open mires and mountain heaths being more rapidly affected.