Underneath old and stable pieces of Earth's crust in North America, the mantle's uppermost portion contains multiple layers that change the velocities of seismic waves.
Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems
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Which Geodynamo Models Will Work Best on Next-Gen Computers?
A new study uses identical tests to evaluate the accuracy and performance of current models of Earth's magnetic field, then extrapolates the results to anticipated "petascale" supercomputers.
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Characterizing the Fault Beneath the Marmara Sea
Researchers mine seismic wave data to elucidate the stress relief system of the Main Marmara Fault beneath Turkey's inland sea.
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Alaska's Semidi Segment Could Unleash a Devastating Tsunami
Study reveals structures along the Alaskan convergent margin capable of generating a powerful tsunami directed toward the United States's West Coast.
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Deep-Sea Microbes Can Leave Records of the Past
Researchers use carbon signatures within sea sediments to identify microbial activity and also to date earthquakes.
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P Wave Amplitude Decay Offers a Glimpse of Earth's Structure
Scientists look at deep earthquake signals to map how seismic waves lose energy in the upper mantle across the United States.
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Dating Lava Domes in California's Salton Trough
Scientists use a trio of techniques to resolve the age and duration of rhyolite volcanism of the Salton Buttes.
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Bending Plate Provides Unexpected Heat Source
Scientists discover the causes for heat flow anomalies near the Japan Trench.
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Cave "Breathing" Affects Mineral Growth and Climate Clues
A new global model suggests how and where air flow in caves affects the growth of cave mineral deposits that scientists use to reconstruct ancient climates.
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Probing for Earthquakes' Origins
To better understand how earthquakes nucleate, scientists spy on the Alpine Fault in New Zealand.