Cave Deposits May Help Predict Future Weather Patterns on our Warming Planet

Medicine & Technology May 26, 2015

Throughout human history, people have utilized caves for protection from the elements, as safe havens from predators, and as canvases to display beautiful works of art. Now, a group of scientists from Vanderbilt University are using caves to learn about weather patterns in the past. And what they're discovering may provide insight into our planet's future climate.

Ancient Earthquakes along New Zealand’s Coast Give Rise to New Concerns

May 19, 2015

About 80 km off the east coast of New Zealand lies the Hikurangi Trench, a subduction zone that plunges 3,000 meters beneath the surface and forms the margin between the vast Pacific Plate and its smaller western neighbor, the Australian Plate. The earthquake potential for this region is well known, but new research indicates the massive quakes that have occurred in the past may occur with greater frequency than once believed, which is bad news for New Zealand. According to the latest findings, they are long overdue.

Fierce Aftershock Compounds Recovery Efforts in Nepal

May 12, 2015

In the midst of digging out from the magnitude 7.8 quake that struck Nepal just three weeks ago, residents of Kathmandu find themselves once again in recovery mode. A powerful aftershock, with a preliminary magnitude registering 7.3, struck just east of Nepal's capital on Tuesday, sending an already rattled community running for cover yet again.

Quake Shakes Papua New Guinea

May 05, 2015

On the heels of the devastating earthquake that hit Nepal comes another large tremor, this time off the coast of Papua New Guinea.

New NASA Maps Reveal Secrets of Mercury

Mar 18, 2015

The planet closest to the sun has continued to be shrouded in mystery for many years. Now, NASA has unveiled never before seen formations on the surface with two maps created from data from NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft that has been orbiting the planet since 2004.

Solar Activity Impacts Climate More During “Cool Periods”

Mar 02, 2015

New research published in the Journal Geology suggests there is a link between the activity of the sun and sea temperatures and its effects are more significant when the Earth is cooler. The sun is already known to play a part in variations of our weather but this is the first time that scientists have observed that solar activity also affects sea surface temperatures.