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A speed gun for the Earth's insides

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a method to measure the movement of the Earth's deep interior, which controls continents and ocean locations. This technique uses seismic waves to study the properties of a mysterious layer called D″, where the mantle meets the core.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·DateOct 27, 2010

AGU journal highlights -- Feb. 16, 2010

Scientists discover that tidal forces may have triggered the devastating Sumatra earthquake of 2004 and that rising levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide are leading to ocean-basin-wide acidification. A new catalog of terrestrial gamma ray flashes has also been created, providing insights into these mysterious bursts of energy.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 16, 2010

Oceanic crust formation is dynamic after all

Researchers have observed dynamic upwelling in the underlying mantle beneath a spreading center, leading to new crust formation. This finding resolves a long-standing debate regarding the relative importance of passive and dynamic upwelling in oceanic crust creation.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·DateNov 25, 2009

Engineers ride 'rogue' laser waves to build better light sources

Engineers at UCLA have successfully harnessed 'rogue' laser waves to produce brighter, more stable white light sources. The new technology reduces fluctuations by at least 90% and decreases energy needed by 25%. This breakthrough could pave the way for better clocks, faster cameras, and more powerful radar and communications technologies.

SourceOptica·DateMar 5, 2009

Catch the wave

MIT researchers, led by Chiang Mei, have developed a numerical simulation model that predicts wave forces on devices and motion of the device. The research aims to optimize energy capture and provide data for efficient conversion to electrical energy. The pilot-scale device will be integrated into a new breakwater in Portugal.

'Invisibility cloaks' could break sound barriers

Researchers at Duke University have successfully created a three-dimensional sound cloak in theory, allowing sound waves to travel around it undistorted. This breakthrough could lead to improved acoustics in concert halls and hidden submarines from sonar detection.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 9, 2008

AGU Journal Highlights -- June 7, 2007

Climate researchers predict salt marshes in Venice Lagoon may not survive future climate changes due to increased sea-level rise. Meanwhile, scientists have observed high-speed streams of charged particles called sprites, which blaze at incredible brightness and brief duration. The Amazon rainforest also emits large amounts of methane,...

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 8, 2007

Rice scientists unveil 'nanoegg'

Researchers at Rice University's Laboratory for Nanophotonics have created nanoeggs, asymmetric particles that focus light on small regions of space. These nanoeggs can be tuned to interact with more wavelengths of light than their nanoshell cousins, making them suitable for applications in molecular imaging and medical diagnostics.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2006

AGU journal highlights - 9 June 2005

Researchers studied the La Jolla submarine canyon's effect on ocean waves, finding that up to 60% of wave energy was reflected back into the open ocean. Another study tracked sulfur hexafluoride through the Denmark Strait to understand its role in driving global climate.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 9, 2005

What lies beneath

Researchers investigate how La Jolla and Scripps Canyons near San Diego impact waves, currents, and beaches. The study uses a multidisciplinary approach with sensors, aircraft, and autonomous underwater vehicles to gather data on the dynamic nearshore environment.

AGU journals highlights - 11 February 2003

Scientists discovered a freshening trend in the Labrador Sea and found that mixing of warm and cool waters may prevent El Nino. Additionally, researchers speculated about the cause of high Arctic ozone loss and suggested Martian methane could be an indicator of subsurface life.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 11, 2003

Sea of Galilee yields clues for weather forecasting

Scientists analyzed the physical response of the Sea of Galilee to external forcing and found intense mixing occurred closest to shores, which could improve ocean forecasts. This understanding is crucial for predicting currents, temperatures, and other oceanic issues like fish development.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology·DateSep 19, 2001

The wonderful world of waves

The SHOWEX experiment aims to better predict wave formation and severity, improving navigation safety at sea and weather forecasting. Researchers will use a range of instruments, including aircraft, craft, buoys, and subsurface sensors, to study wave components and their interactions.