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Researchers use high-resolution images to create model that predicts landslide risk in coastal areas

A team of researchers has created a model that predicts landslide risk in coastal areas, using high-resolution images to identify over 1,000 landslide points in São Sebastião, Brazil. The new methodology aims to provide more precise results and will be ready by the end of 2025.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBrazilian Journal of Geology·DateNov 13, 2024

DART forward: Five papers shed new light on asteroids from world’s first planetary defense test

The DART mission provided a unique opportunity for studying the geology of a near-Earth asteroid binary system, shedding light on its origin and evolution. Researchers found that Dimorphos likely spun off from Didymos in a large mass shedding event, with Dimorphos having a surface age 40-130 times older than Didymos.

SourceJohns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 2, 2024

USC scientists use AI to predict a wildfire’s next move

Researchers at USC developed a new method to accurately predict wildfire spread using satellite data and artificial intelligence. The model offers a potential breakthrough in wildfire management and emergency response, providing more precise and timely data for firefighters and evacuation teams battling wildfires.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalArtificial Intelligence for the Earth Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 22, 2024

Revolutionizing the abilities of adaptive radar with AI

Researchers at Duke University have broken through the performance wall of adaptive radar systems using convolutional neural networks, paralleling computer vision. They've released a large open-source dataset for other AI researchers to build upon their work, aiming to tackle industry needs like object detection and tracking.

SourceDuke University·JournalIET Radar Sonar & Navigation·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 19, 2024

How does one species become many?

A global team of biologists used nearly two decades of field data from the Galápagos Islands to study the relationship between beak traits and individual longevity in four species of Darwin's finches. The researchers found that each species' unique beak traits correspond to fitness peaks, which are essential for survival.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEvolution·DateJan 18, 2024

How mountains affect El Niño-induced winter precipitation

A new study reveals that mountains amplify and obstruct winter precipitation during El Niño events, with increased rainfall on the western side of mountains. This analysis enables more accurate water predictions for the Colorado River in western North America, helping cities, farmers, and water managers prepare for droughts.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Water·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2023

Disability, Politecnico di Milano experiments with AI to make historic city centers accessible

Researchers used machine learning and mobile mapping systems to analyze the town of Sabbioneta's streets and pavements, identifying accessible trajectories and paths for citizens with motor disabilities. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of AI in assessing physical accessibility in historic urban contexts.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalInternational Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 1, 2023

Going with the flow

Researchers have developed a new method to estimate river flow rates on Mars and Titan, utilizing satellite observations and mathematical equations. The technique allows for predictions of river flow times, sediment size, and potential support for life, shedding light on these celestial bodies' geological pasts.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2023

Below the surface: Researchers uncover reasons to rethink how mountains are built

Researchers at Colorado State University have made a groundbreaking discovery in understanding how mountains form, revealing that deep Earth processes are the primary drivers of mountain building in subduction zones. By combining novel data sets and techniques with traditional geomorphology measurements, the team generated a long-term ...

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 1, 2023

Satellites capture massive drainage of proglacial lake in remote Patagonia

Researchers from Hokkaido University used satellite images to observe the sudden drainage of proglacial lake Lago Greve in Chilean Patagonia, resulting in a 18-meter drop in water level and a loss of 3.7 cubic kilometers of water. The study suggests that the cause was the collapse of a sediment bump at the lake's outlet, highlighting t...

SourceHokkaido University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 3, 2022

Interactive Web Site Maps Geology Worldwide

The Geographic Information System Interactive Map Server allows users to view maps of major geographic features, including location of earthquake faults and technical data. The site draws on databases created at Cornell over the past six years, making geological data accessible to researchers and educators worldwide.