The discovery of seismic signals known as PKP precursors has puzzled scientists for decades. These signals bounce off regions in Earth’s lower mantle and return to the surface as PKP waves, traveling at varying speeds. The source of these precursor signals, which arrive before the main seismic waves passing through Earth’s core, has long been
Earth
Understanding and predicting damaging storms is crucial for the safety of individuals and the protection of various industries. A recent study conducted by Dr. Joshua Soderholm and Ph.D. candidate Yuzhu Lin has shed new light on the role of hailstone shape in storm modeling, leading to significant findings that could revolutionize our approach to weather
Protecting biodiversity in the Southern Ocean has become a crucial task as human activities continue to pose a threat to native wildlife in the region. A recent study led by a team of scientists from the University of Colorado Boulder has identified 30 new areas that are essential for conserving biodiversity in the Antarctic. These
Massif-type anorthosites have long been a mystery to scientists due to conflicting theories about their origins. These plagioclase-rich igneous rock formations cover vast areas and hold key insights into Earth’s history. A recent study published in Science Advances sheds new light on the formation of these enigmatic rocks, providing a deeper understanding of Earth’s mantle
A recent study conducted by researchers at Brown University has delved into the ancient temperatures and rainfall patterns in the tropical Andes of South America. This study, which covers a time span of 16,000 years, provides crucial insights into how climate history in this region was influenced by various factors, particularly carbon dioxide levels and
One of the main challenges faced in predicting landslides is the occurrence of postfire debris flows. These natural disasters happen during or shortly after a wildfire, adding to the already devastating effects of the fire itself. The destruction caused by postfire debris flows can be catastrophic, often catching communities off guard with little to no
In a groundbreaking achievement, scientists have successfully recovered the first long section of rocks from the Earth’s mantle, bringing insights into the mysteries of our planet’s origins. This significant discovery was made during Expedition 399 “Building Blocks of Life, Atlantis Massif” of the ocean drilling vessel JOIDES Resolution in Spring 2023. The recovered 1,268 meters
The isotopic composition of carbon found in iron formations within the Saglek-Hebron Complex has long been considered as evidence of early life on Earth. However, a recent study conducted by the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, and University College London challenges this interpretation. The researchers suggest that the petrographic, geochemical, and spectroscopic features of the
Climate change continues to be a pressing issue that affects every corner of the globe. Understanding the factors that contribute to this phenomenon is crucial in developing effective strategies to mitigate its effects. Researchers from the University of Cambridge and the British Antarctic Survey have conducted a study on the impact of biomass burning on
Nature has always provided scientists with valuable insight into understanding and addressing some of humanity’s most challenging issues. One of the critical issues faced by the world today is global warming, and scientists are turning to Earth’s geological history to gain a long-term perspective on the matter. Throughout Earth’s history, there have been periods marked
The McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica are known for their extreme dryness and harsh conditions. With mountains acting as a barrier to melting glacier water and minimal humidity, these valleys have experienced no rain for decades. However, a sudden and unexpected event in March 2022 brought about drastic changes that had a profound impact on
In a recent study conducted after the 2022 magnitude 6.8 earthquake in Luding County, China, researchers have explored the potential of utilizing Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data for the rapid prediction of landslides triggered by earthquakes. This study, published in Seismological Research Letters, sheds light on the effectiveness of GNSS observations in identifying and
Groundwater is a critical resource that sustains plants, ecosystems, agriculture, and drinking water supplies in various regions around the world. In southwestern Europe, there has been a widespread belief that groundwater levels are continuously declining everywhere. However, a recent study published in Communications Earth & Environment by an international research team led by the Helmholtz
In a recent study published in the journal Nature Cities, a team of Earth scientists, environmental engineers, and geomaticists discovered an interesting trend in urban development. Contrary to previous beliefs, modern cities across the globe have been experiencing more upward growth than outward expansion. This shift in growth patterns has significant implications for city planners
A recent study led by researchers at McGill University indicates that the influence of Earth’s natural forces could have a significant impact on mitigating sea level rise caused by Antarctica’s melting ice sheets. However, this phenomenon is contingent upon the swift reduction of carbon emissions in the next few decades. On the contrary, if carbon