Research fields focused on the physical properties of Earth materials emerged in the 20th century and have been making major contributions within geoscience ever since.
geology
Posted inNews
Geology and Chemistry Drive Animal Migration in the Serengeti
Fieldwork in Tanzania suggests that soil chemistry—influenced by local volcanism and tectonic activity—might help dictate the record-setting migration of over a million wildebeests.
Posted inNews
Getting to the Bottom of Slow-Motion Earthquakes
For close to 20 years, slow-motion earthquakes have been an enigma. Core samples provide new clues to their origins.
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GeoGirls: Confidence Erupts from a Camp at a Volcano
Summer camp at Mount Saint Helens empowers girls with science, confidence, and fun.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Chinese Swamp Core Reveals 47,000 Years of Monsoon History
Magnetic analysis of mineral composition supports the importance of tropical climate processes in shaping long-term monsoon patterns.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Review of Go-To Iron Analysis Method Reveals Its Pros and Cons
Researchers validated some steps in the standard sequential chemical technique used to extract different forms of iron from rock samples but found inconsistencies in other steps.
Posted inNews
Basalts Turn Carbon into Stone for Permanent Storage
Scientists have shown that mineral carbonation can permanently capture and store carbon quickly enough and safely enough to rise to the challenge of climate change.
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Earth Rocks and Moon Rocks Are More Different Than We Thought
New analyses of oxygen isotopes reveal terrestrial and lunar rocks aren’t as similar as previously thought, potentially changing the way we think the Moon formed.
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Japan Puts Its Mark on Geologic Time with the Chibanian Age
The newly named period in the Pleistocene identifies a key moment in geological history: the last time Earth’s magnetic poles switched places.
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Finding Faults in Our Past: Uncovering the Messina Earthquake
The source of the deadly 1908 Italian earthquake may finally be identified, thanks to a fresh look at the geomorphology of the Strait of Messina.