Copper ores were long thought to form through purely chemical processes, but a recent study provides the strongest evidence yet that microbial metabolism drives mineral production.
geology
Posted inNews
Precariously Balanced Rocks Reveal Earthquake History in Israel
Using the prevalence of unstable rock formations in Israel’s Negev Desert, researchers determined that historical earthquakes in the region were weaker than previously thought.
Posted inNews
Largest Delta Plain in Earth’s History Discovered in Arctic
If this Triassic period delta existed today, its footprint would equal about 1% of all land on Earth.
Posted inScience Updates
Project VoiLA: Volatile Recycling in the Lesser Antilles
Deep water cycle studies have largely focused on subduction of lithosphere formed at fast spreading ridges. However, oceanic plates are more likely to become hydrated as spreading rate decreases.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Seismic Anisotropy Due to a Compositionally Layered Mantle
Investigating the role of layered rocks and compositional banding on mineral scale in generating seismic anisotropy in the mantle.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Real Time Probing of Shale Cracks in Double Torsion Experiments
Imaging crack propagation in shales using twin optical cameras and fast X-ray radiograph acquisition.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Thermal Signature of Martian River Deposits Suggests Cementation
Are there indications of extended aqueous processes beyond the period of widespread fluvial activity on Mars?
Posted inGeoFIZZ
Self-Guided Tour of the Geology in D. C. Buildings
The architecture of the nation’s capital reveals a secret geologic history—take a walking tour to spot the interesting fossils and minerals in the stones used to build the halls of power.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
In a Submarine Trough, Permeable Rocks May Lead to Quakes
In Japan’s submarine Nankai Trough, rock permeability is much higher when measured at larger scales, likely because of big fractures and faults that are not captured at small scales.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
A More Detailed Look at Earth’s Most Poorly Understood Crust
The second-generation Antarctic Digital Magnetic Anomaly Project offers a powerful new tool for probing the structure and evolution of the southernmost continent’s lithosphere.