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An innovative system for seeing into the bowels of volcanos

Researchers from CNRS and Paris Institute of Planetary Physics developed an innovative imaging method to probe volcano internal structure. The study revealed a large magma storage zone beneath La Soufriere volcano, providing greater anticipation for volcanic eruptions.

SourceCNRS·JournalCommunications·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 18, 2024

JunoCam spots new volcano on active Io

A new volcano has been discovered on Jupiter's moon Io through analysis of JunoCam images, featuring multiple lava flows and volcanic deposits. The volcano is located just south of the equator and showcases the moon's ongoing geological activity.

Uncovering the drivers of a million-year-old glacial transition

Researchers from the Mann Research Group found strong path dependence in Plio-Pleistocene glaciations, driven by a gradual decrease in regolith and volcanic outgassing. The study suggests that carbon dioxide levels determine the onset of the Mid-Pleistocene Transition, and that it's not too late to act to prevent ice sheet collapse.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 25, 2024

Earth scientists describe a new kind of volcanic eruption

Researchers describe a new type of volcanic eruption mechanism at Kīlauea volcano, where explosive eruptions are driven by sudden pressure increases and collapse-induced stomp-rocket effect. This discovery provides new insights into the dynamics of past volcanic eruptions and allows for better forecasts and warnings for future eruptions.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 27, 2024

Diverse ancient volcanoes on Mars discovered by HKU planetary scientist may hold clues to pre-plate tectonic activity on Earth

A recent study by Professor Joseph Michalski and his team has revealed a vast number of diverse volcanoes in Mars' ancient crust, including lava domes, stratovolcanoes, calderas, and large shields of ash. These findings suggest that intense volcanism occurred on ancient Mars, causing the crust to collapse into the mantle.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2024

Massive 2022 eruption reduced ozone levels

The study found that the eruption changed the chemistry and dynamics of the stratosphere, leading to unprecedented losses in the ozone layer. The injection of water vapor and sulfur dioxide increased sulfate aerosols, which drove changes in temperature and circulation, resulting in decreased ozone levels in the Southern Hemisphere.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 20, 2023

Human emissions increased mercury in the atmosphere sevenfold

Research from Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences estimates that humans have increased atmospheric mercury levels sevenfold, with a pre-anthropogenic baseline of around 580 megagrams. Human emissions from coal-fired power plants and waste-incineration are responsible for the majority of this increase.

Cornell fills data gap for volcanic ash effects on Earth systems

Researchers at Cornell University have characterized volcanic ash samples from 40 explosive eruptions to provide a comprehensive dataset. The study found that the composition of volcanic ash varies significantly with grain size, tectonic setting, and chemistry, particularly in finer particles where salts increase and glass and iron oxi...

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 4, 2023

Dartmouth study removes human bias from debate over dinosaurs' demise

A new modeling method powered by interconnected processors removed human bias from the debate over dinosaurs' demise. The study suggests that the outpouring of climate-altering gases from the Deccan Traps alone could have been sufficient to trigger global extinction, consistent with volcanic eruptions contributing to the mass extinction.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 28, 2023

Research reveals Hawai‘i’s undersea volcano, Kama‘ehu, erupted five times in past 150 years

Research reveals Kama'ehu volcano in Hawaii has erupted five times in the past 150 years. The new study uses mass spectrometry to measure radium-226 in lava samples, revealing a frequency of eruptions around 30 years. This slower rate is linked to sluggish mantle upwelling on the margin of the Hawaiian plume.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalGeology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 3, 2023

Mars: Was Olympus Mons once a giant volcanic island?

The giant Olympus Mons volcano on Mars has morphological similarities with many active volcanic islands on Earth, indicating contact between liquid water and lava. A vast ocean of liquid water once occupied the Red Planet's northern lowlands, according to recent work published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters.

SourceCNRS·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJul 25, 2023

Lasering lava to forecast volcanic eruptions

University of Queensland researchers have developed a new technique using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma quadruple mass spectrometry to analyze the chemical composition of magma. This high-resolution method provides clearer data on the eruption style and lava flow, enabling better forecasting of volcanic eruptions.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 5, 2023

Crust of Campi Flegrei volcano is weakening

Researchers at UCL and INGV found that parts of the Campi Flegrei volcano have been stretched nearly to breaking point, indicating a higher risk of rupture. The study used a model of volcano fracturing to interpret patterns of earthquakes and ground uplift, suggesting that an eventual eruption could be preceded by weaker signals.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 9, 2023

Petit-spot volcanoes involve the deepest known submarine hydrothermal activity, possibly release CO2 and methane

Scientists discover hydrothermal deposits at a 5.7 km depth in the Japan Trench, indicating low-temperature hydrothermal activity and elevated CO2 and methane levels. The findings highlight the need for further studies on petit-spot volcanoes and their potential impact on global biogeochemical cycles.

SourceWaseda University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2023

Iron-rich rocks unlock new insights into Earth’s planetary history

New research from Rice University suggests that ancient microorganisms helped cause massive volcanic events by facilitating the precipitation of minerals in banded iron formations. The study provides insight into processes that could produce habitable exoplanets and reframes scientists' understanding of Earth's early history.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 25, 2023

‘Potentially volcano-covered’ Earth-size planet found orbiting star first described by KU astronomer

Astronomers have discovered an Earth-sized exoplanet, LP 791-18 d, which orbits a small red dwarf star in the constellation Crater. The planet may experience volcanic flare-ups as frequently as Jupiter's moon Io, potentially making it habitable for life. However, more research is needed to confirm its atmosphere, water content, and hab...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalNature·DateMay 17, 2023

Study presents new clues about the rise of earth’s continents

A study from Smithsonian researchers deepens understanding of Earth's crust by testing and eliminating the garnet hypothesis about why continental crust is lower in iron and more oxidized. The findings suggest that intense heat and pressure cannot produce the necessary conditions for garnet formation, contradicting a popular explanation.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2023

Scientists share ‘comprehensive’ map of volcanoes on Venus — all 85,000 of them

Researchers Paul Byrne and Rebecca Hahn have compiled a global catalog of 85,000 volcanoes on Venus, providing the most comprehensive understanding of the planet's volcanic properties. The dataset includes detailed analyses of volcano distribution, size, and clustering, which will aid in locating future active lava flows.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Planets·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 29, 2023

Asphalt volcano communities

Researchers document diverse assemblage of fish species living on asphalt volcanoes in the Santa Barbara Channel, characterized by low densities and high diversity rates. The team's findings highlight the unique nature of these habitats and emphasize the need for conservation efforts to protect them.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalBulletin of Marine Science·DateFeb 13, 2023

Looking back at the Tonga eruption

A new analysis of seismic data recorded after the Tonga eruption has revealed two distinct sequences of events, including quasi-periodic explosions and a massive final event. The study used back-projection techniques to tease out details from teleseismic P waves, shedding light on the volcano's internal dynamics.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 2023