Adam Dziewonski, a towering figure in solid Earth geophysics and a pioneer of global seismic tomography, passed away on 1 March 2016. He was 79.
Earth science
Posted inEditors' Vox
Here Comes the Anthropocene
Two recent papers in Earth's Future discuss the addition of a new epoch to the geological timescale.
Posted inEditors' Vox
Exploring Formal Recognition of the Anthropocene
Colin Waters of the Anthropocene Working Group, which has been exploring formal recognition of the Anthropocene as a unit in the geological time scale, discussed the group's recommendations at the IGC.
Posted inEditors' Vox
Resourcing the Future
How do we ensure a supply of needed mineral and other resources while minimizing energy and water use and environmental impacts, as well as recognizing social justice, international equity, and more?
Posted inNews
Six Snapshots of Geoscience Research from National Parks
As the National Park Service celebrates its 100th anniversary, we celebrate ongoing Earth and atmospheric research made possible by conservation efforts.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Cold Temperatures Set Off Slow-Moving Landslides
Falling ground temperatures in the cold season are found to trigger shallow, slow-moving landslides on slopes with clayey soil.
Posted inNews
Evidence Found for China's Ancient Origin Story
New geological findings suggest that an ancient flood in a popular legend about the birth of China's civilization might have actually occurred, but some 150 years later than historians thought.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Despite Dryness, Quartz Grains Can Deform in Earth's Crust
A comparison of water content in undeformed and deformed quartz indicates that grains may change shape via weakening processes that cannot be duplicated in laboratory experiments.
Posted inNews
Richard P. Von Herzen (1930–2016)
Richard P. Von Herzen, a pioneer of marine heat flow studies who helped validate plate tectonics and discover oceanic hydrothermal vents, passed away on 28 January 2016. He was 85.
Posted inNews
Gypsum Forms in an Unexpected Way
Scientists spot the "stem cell" building blocks that lay the foundation for gypsum's formation.