Latest and Breaking Earth Science News

Autopsy of a eruption: Linking crystal growth to volcano seismicity
24 May 2012, 4:00 am
(University of Bristol) A forensic approach that links changes deep below a volcano to signals at the surface is described by scientists from the University of Bristol in a paper published today in Science. The research could ultimately help to predict future volcanic eruptions with greater accuracy.

Science magazine prize awarded to course that brings biology and math worlds closer
24 May 2012, 4:00 am
(American Association for the Advancement of Science) An undergraduate course that allows students to build mathematical models of biological phenomena -- and to experience a convergence of disciplines with potential in areas ranging from cancer treatment to reforestation -- is the winner of the Science Prize for Inquiry-Based Instruction,

NASA's TRMM satellite sees some heavy rainfall in Typhoon Sanvu
24 May 2012, 4:00 am
(NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center) Tropical Storm Sanvu strengthened overnight as forecast and is now a Typhoon in the western North Pacific Ocean. NASA's Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission satellite observed that most of the rainfall is falling in the eastern half of the storm.

NASA satellites feed forecasters information as Bud becomes a hurricane
24 May 2012, 4:00 am
(NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center) Bud has now become the first hurricane of the eastern Pacific Hurricane Season, as NASA visible and infrared satellite imagery revealed an organized structure of spiraling thunderstorms around the eye. Watches and warnings are already in effect for southwestern Mexico as Bud nears.

Deep sea animals stowaway on submarines and reach new territory
24 May 2012, 4:00 am
(Wiley-Blackwell) Marine scientists studying life around deep-sea vents have discovered that some hardy species can survive the extreme change in pressure that occurs when a research submersible rises to the surface. The team's findings, published in Conservation Biology, reveal how a species can be inadvertently carried by submersibles to new areas, with potentially damaging effects on marine ecosystems.

Food, water safety provide new challenges for today's sensors
24 May 2012, 4:00 am
(DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory) Sensors that work flawlessly in laboratory settings may stumble when it comes to performing in real-world conditions, according to researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

LiDAR technology reveals faults near Lake Tahoe
24 May 2012, 4:00 am
(Geological Society of America) Results of a new US Geological Survey study conclude that faults west of Lake Tahoe, Calif., referred to as the Tahoe-Sierra frontal fault zone, pose a substantial increase in the seismic hazard assessment for the Lake Tahoe region of California and Nevada, and could potentially generate earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from 6.3 to 6.9.

DNA evidence shows that marine reserves help to sustain fisheries
24 May 2012, 4:00 am
(Cell Press) Researchers reporting online on May 24 in the Cell Press journal Current Biology present the first evidence that areas closed to all fishing are helping to sustain valuable Australian fisheries. The international team of scientists applied a forensic DNA profiling approach to track the dispersal pathways of fish larvae throughout a network of marine reserves on Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

Tracking endangered elephants with satellite technology
24 May 2012, 4:00 am
(University of Nottingham) GPS and satellite technology is helping experts develop a long term strategy to protect the endangered Malaysian elephant.

NSF supports University of Miami climate and 'cloud computing' research
23 May 2012, 4:00 am
(University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science) The NSF announced that it has awarded ~$200,000 to the University of Miami for the application of the latest 'cloud computing' technologies to climate and natural hazards research.