Confronting Debris Flow Hazards After Wildfire
EOS Science News
From the article: "Scientists and practitioners have identified research priorities to improve scientific understanding of postfire debris flows and meet decision-making challenges posed by this growing hazard.
EOS Science News
From the article: "Scientists and practitioners have identified research priorities to improve scientific understanding of postfire debris flows and meet decision-making challenges posed by this growing hazard.
What is a Debris Flow?
Geology.com
Debris Flow Near Hyderabad, India: The first fifty seconds of this video shows the water being pushed at the front of the debris flow. But, at about 0:55, spectators on the opposite side of the stream can see the rocks coming and run for their lives!
Geology.com
Debris Flow Near Hyderabad, India: The first fifty seconds of this video shows the water being pushed at the front of the debris flow. But, at about 0:55, spectators on the opposite side of the stream can see the rocks coming and run for their lives!
Jupiter's Moon Callisto May Hide Salty Ocean
NASA
Quote from the article: "Jupiter's second largest moon, Callisto, may have a liquid ocean tucked under its icy, cratered crust, according to scientists studying data gathered by NASA's Galileo spacecraft." The image is a 3D model of Callisto, by NASA Visualization Technology Applications and Development.
NASA
Quote from the article: "Jupiter's second largest moon, Callisto, may have a liquid ocean tucked under its icy, cratered crust, according to scientists studying data gathered by NASA's Galileo spacecraft." The image is a 3D model of Callisto, by NASA Visualization Technology Applications and Development.
Tiny Quakes Discovered Within Greenland's Ice Could Change Sea-Level Rise Predictions
Smithsonian Magazine
From the article: "While scientists once thought Greenland's ice streams flowed slowly and uniformly, new research reveals a quake-driven "stick-slip" motion that's linked to volcanic activity thousands of years ago"
Smithsonian Magazine
From the article: "While scientists once thought Greenland's ice streams flowed slowly and uniformly, new research reveals a quake-driven "stick-slip" motion that's linked to volcanic activity thousands of years ago"
Intelligent Life May Be More Likely to Exist on Other Planets Than Previously Thought
Smithsonian
From the article: "Researchers present an alternative to the long-held "hard steps" theory to explain the evolution of complex life, suggesting it's the natural outcome of a habitable environment rather than a lucky break"
Smithsonian
From the article: "Researchers present an alternative to the long-held "hard steps" theory to explain the evolution of complex life, suggesting it's the natural outcome of a habitable environment rather than a lucky break"
A Growth Spurt for Home Reef
NASA Earth Observatory
A tiny island in Tonga built by an underwater volcano in 2022 is growing larger. Images by NASA Earth Observatory.
NASA Earth Observatory
A tiny island in Tonga built by an underwater volcano in 2022 is growing larger. Images by NASA Earth Observatory.
Polar Vortex to Bring Frigid Temperatures, Snow and Ice to Millions of Americans
Gift Article from the Washington Post
From the article: "About 60 million people are forecast to experience subzero temperatures. The polar vortex may also fuel yet another snow and ice storm in coming days."
Gift Article from the Washington Post
From the article: "About 60 million people are forecast to experience subzero temperatures. The polar vortex may also fuel yet another snow and ice storm in coming days."
M 5.0 Earthquake in West Texas Felt in Western Texas and Southeastern New Mexico
United States Geological Survey
An internet community intensity map produced by the United States Geological Survey. Over 1900 people reported their experience from this earthquake at the USGS "Did You Feel It?" website.
United States Geological Survey
An internet community intensity map produced by the United States Geological Survey. Over 1900 people reported their experience from this earthquake at the USGS "Did You Feel It?" website.
Large Earthquake Strikes West Texas, Among Strongest Ever in State
The Texas Tribune
From the article: "The 5.0 magnitude earthquake is tied for the sixth strongest in state history. Scientists have warned for years that increased fracking in West Texas is causing higher earthquake activity."
The Texas Tribune
From the article: "The 5.0 magnitude earthquake is tied for the sixth strongest in state history. Scientists have warned for years that increased fracking in West Texas is causing higher earthquake activity."
Experts Are Alarmed by Video of Workers Hammering Away at Egypt's Great Pyramid of Giza
Smithsonian Magazine
Smithsonian Magazine
How Alice Hamilton Waged a One-Woman Campaign to Get the Lead Out of Everything
Smithsonian
From the article: "At first a crusader for workplace safety, the trained physician railed against the use of lead, the toxic and ubiquitous material."
Smithsonian
From the article: "At first a crusader for workplace safety, the trained physician railed against the use of lead, the toxic and ubiquitous material."
"Volcanic Unrest" at Alaska's Mount Spurr Suggests 50-50 Chance of an Eruption
Smithsonian Magazine
Geologic hazard map for areas immediately adjacent to Mount Spurr Volcano. Information by the United States Geological Survey.
Smithsonian Magazine
Geologic hazard map for areas immediately adjacent to Mount Spurr Volcano. Information by the United States Geological Survey.
Preliminary Volcano-Hazard Assessment for Mount Spurr
United States Geological Survey
The link takes you to the USGS webpage for this report where you can read an abstract, click to the full report or view the plate below which provides a geologic summary of the volcano (shown above).
United States Geological Survey
The link takes you to the USGS webpage for this report where you can read an abstract, click to the full report or view the plate below which provides a geologic summary of the volcano (shown above).
More Than Half of Contiguous U.S. River Water Comes from Ephemeral Streams
EOS Science News
From the article: "Ephemeral streams sit above the water table and flow only in response to precipitation. However, they contribute more than half the flow of U.S. rivers. (The finding has potential implications for water regulations, which might not cover these seasonal streams.)"
EOS Science News
From the article: "Ephemeral streams sit above the water table and flow only in response to precipitation. However, they contribute more than half the flow of U.S. rivers. (The finding has potential implications for water regulations, which might not cover these seasonal streams.)"
Earth's Inner Core Is Changing Shape, Causing Dynamic Shifts Deep Within Our Planet
Smithsonian
From the article: "Seismic wave data previously suggested the Earth's hot inner core is slowing its spin. Now, researchers say it's also deforming around the edges"
Smithsonian
From the article: "Seismic wave data previously suggested the Earth's hot inner core is slowing its spin. Now, researchers say it's also deforming around the edges"
Paleontologists Discover Fossil of the Oldest Known Modern Bird
Smithsonian
From the article: "The fossil suggests that modern birds evolved before the dinosaur-killing asteroid, perhaps in Antarctica"
Smithsonian
From the article: "The fossil suggests that modern birds evolved before the dinosaur-killing asteroid, perhaps in Antarctica"
A Large Los-Angeles Area Landslide Expands and Slides Towards the Sea
NASA Earth Observatory
NASA radar imagery revealed that the active area of a decades-old landslide has grown following periods of heavy rainfall in 2023 and early 2024. NASA Earth Observatory image by Lauren Dauphin using ARIA velocity magnitude data provided courtesy of JPL, USGS 3DEP lidar point cloud data data from the 3D Elevation Program, California Geological Survey data of active and dormant landslides, and building outlines data from the County of Los Angeles. Story by Andrew Wang, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
NASA Earth Observatory
NASA radar imagery revealed that the active area of a decades-old landslide has grown following periods of heavy rainfall in 2023 and early 2024. NASA Earth Observatory image by Lauren Dauphin using ARIA velocity magnitude data provided courtesy of JPL, USGS 3DEP lidar point cloud data data from the 3D Elevation Program, California Geological Survey data of active and dormant landslides, and building outlines data from the County of Los Angeles. Story by Andrew Wang, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
EIA Forecasts that Natural Gas Spot Prices Will Be Significantly Higher in 2025 and 2026
Energy Information Administration
The Energy Information Administration expects spot natural gas prices to rise from the $2.20 average of 2024 up to $3.80 in 2025 and $4.20 in 2026.
Energy Information Administration
The Energy Information Administration expects spot natural gas prices to rise from the $2.20 average of 2024 up to $3.80 in 2025 and $4.20 in 2026.
Two of the Moon's Grand Canyons Were Formed in Just Ten Violent Minutes
Smithsonian
Scientists say Vallis Schrodinger and Vallis Planck - dramatic trenches near the lunar south pole - were carved in a blast that unleashed 130 times the amount of energy in Earth's global nuclear weapons inventory.
Smithsonian
Scientists say Vallis Schrodinger and Vallis Planck - dramatic trenches near the lunar south pole - were carved in a blast that unleashed 130 times the amount of energy in Earth's global nuclear weapons inventory.
NASA-Led Study Pinpoints Areas Sinking, Rising Along California Coast
NASA
Scientists mapped land sinking (indicated in blue) in coastal California cities and in parts of the Central Valley due to factors like soil compaction, erosion, and groundwater withdrawal. They also tracked uplift hot spots (shown in red), including in Long Beach, a site of oil and gas production.
NASA
Scientists mapped land sinking (indicated in blue) in coastal California cities and in parts of the Central Valley due to factors like soil compaction, erosion, and groundwater withdrawal. They also tracked uplift hot spots (shown in red), including in Long Beach, a site of oil and gas production.
Anglo American Nears De Beers Spinoff
Mining.com
De Beers is jointly owned by Anglo American (85%) and the country of Botswana (15%). It is the world's leading diamond producer on the basis of value.
Mining.com
De Beers is jointly owned by Anglo American (85%) and the country of Botswana (15%). It is the world's leading diamond producer on the basis of value.
Diamond Mines in the United States
Geology.com
A photograph of several diamonds found at the Crater of Diamonds State Park, near Murfreesboro, Arkansas. These diamonds were probably nicely formed crystals when they were in the Earth's mantle. Their shapes were modified by corrosive fluids during their rapid ascent to Earth's surface. Photo used with permission of Crater of Diamonds State Park.
Geology.com
A photograph of several diamonds found at the Crater of Diamonds State Park, near Murfreesboro, Arkansas. These diamonds were probably nicely formed crystals when they were in the Earth's mantle. Their shapes were modified by corrosive fluids during their rapid ascent to Earth's surface. Photo used with permission of Crater of Diamonds State Park.
Tsunami Alerts Cancelled After Caribbean Earthquake
BBC
View a list of U.S. government messages issued for this and other earthquakes at Tsunami.gov.
BBC
View a list of U.S. government messages issued for this and other earthquakes at Tsunami.gov.
M 7.6 Earthquake Caribbean Sea, Southwest of Cayman Islands
United States Geological Survey
The earthquake was epicentered beneath the Caribbean Sea, near the boundary between the North American and Caribbean Plates. Red lines on the map above are the approximate locations of tectonic plate boundaries. The map above is an adaptation of the interactive map of this earthquake by USGS.
United States Geological Survey
The earthquake was epicentered beneath the Caribbean Sea, near the boundary between the North American and Caribbean Plates. Red lines on the map above are the approximate locations of tectonic plate boundaries. The map above is an adaptation of the interactive map of this earthquake by USGS.
Plate Tectonics Map - Plate Boundary Map
Geology.com
According the theory of plate tectonics, Earth's outer shell is made up of a series of plates. The map above shows names and generalized locations of Earth's major tectonic plates. These plates move and interact with one another to produce earthquakes, volcanoes, mountain ranges, ocean trenches and other geologic processes and features. Map prepared by the United States Geological Survey.
Geology.com
According the theory of plate tectonics, Earth's outer shell is made up of a series of plates. The map above shows names and generalized locations of Earth's major tectonic plates. These plates move and interact with one another to produce earthquakes, volcanoes, mountain ranges, ocean trenches and other geologic processes and features. Map prepared by the United States Geological Survey.
Why the Odds of an Asteroid Striking Earth in 2032 Keep Going Up (and Down)
Gift Article from the New York Times
From the article: "NASA and European scientists explain how they calculate the probability of the space rock 2024 YR4 impacting our planet, and why it's not yet time to worry."
Gift Article from the New York Times
From the article: "NASA and European scientists explain how they calculate the probability of the space rock 2024 YR4 impacting our planet, and why it's not yet time to worry."
Hubble Investigates "Bullseye" Galaxy with Nine Rings
NASA
The image above shows LEDA 1313424, which was nicknamed the "Bullseye" galaxy. Researchers believe its numerous rings were created after a collision with the small blue dwarf galaxy shown just to its left. Image credit: NASA, ESA, Imad Pasha (Yale), Pieter van Dokkum (Yale).
NASA
The image above shows LEDA 1313424, which was nicknamed the "Bullseye" galaxy. Researchers believe its numerous rings were created after a collision with the small blue dwarf galaxy shown just to its left. Image credit: NASA, ESA, Imad Pasha (Yale), Pieter van Dokkum (Yale).
Dust of the Salton Sea Linked to an Increased Risk of Respiratory-Related Hospitalizations
EOS Science News
From the article: "As the lake evaporates... the Salton Sea's shrinking shorelines are leaving behind a perimeter of dry, toxic dust." Satellite image of the Salton Sea, California's largest lake, and adjacent areas of agricultural irrigation. Image by NASA Earth Observatory.
EOS Science News
From the article: "As the lake evaporates... the Salton Sea's shrinking shorelines are leaving behind a perimeter of dry, toxic dust." Satellite image of the Salton Sea, California's largest lake, and adjacent areas of agricultural irrigation. Image by NASA Earth Observatory.
Life's Building Blocks Found in Samples Collected From Asteroid Bennu
EOS Science News
Particles of regolith returned from Asteroid Bennu in the collection device. Public domain image by NASA/Goddard/Erika Blumenfeld & Joseph Aebersold.
EOS Science News
Particles of regolith returned from Asteroid Bennu in the collection device. Public domain image by NASA/Goddard/Erika Blumenfeld & Joseph Aebersold.
Why Auroras Are Suddenly Everywhere All at Once
Smithsonian
From the article: "Auroras have long mystified humanity. Now that we know what they are and why they happen, we can better predict how best to experience them."
Smithsonian
From the article: "Auroras have long mystified humanity. Now that we know what they are and why they happen, we can better predict how best to experience them."
Aurora Australis from Space
Geology.com
Aurora Australis: A composite satellite image of the Aurora Australis (southern lights) over Antarctica from space. The image was compiled by superimposing data of the Aurora Australis collected by NASA's IMAGE satellite atop of an image of Earth from a south polar perspective from the Blue Marble project. The result simulates what the Aurora Australis would look like from a satellite orbiting above. Image by NASA.
Geology.com
Aurora Australis: A composite satellite image of the Aurora Australis (southern lights) over Antarctica from space. The image was compiled by superimposing data of the Aurora Australis collected by NASA's IMAGE satellite atop of an image of Earth from a south polar perspective from the Blue Marble project. The result simulates what the Aurora Australis would look like from a satellite orbiting above. Image by NASA.
India Energy Report
Energy Information Administration
India was the third highest energy consumer in the world in 2023 behind China and the United States. India is the country that is most reliant on coal as an energy source - and the consumption rate is increasing. Electricity demand is rising (71.3% is produced from coal), the population is growing (India passed China to become the world's most populous country in 2023), and India's economy is rapidly developing.
Energy Information Administration
India was the third highest energy consumer in the world in 2023 behind China and the United States. India is the country that is most reliant on coal as an energy source - and the consumption rate is increasing. Electricity demand is rising (71.3% is produced from coal), the population is growing (India passed China to become the world's most populous country in 2023), and India's economy is rapidly developing.
What Is Coal and How Does It Form?
Geology.com
Bituminous coal is typically a banded sedimentary rock. In this photo you can see bright and dull bands of coal material oriented horizontally across the specimen. The bright bands are well-preserved woody material, such as branches or stems. The dull bands can contain mineral material washed into the swamp by streams, charcoal produced by fires in the swamp, or degraded plant materials. This specimen is approximately three inches across (7.5 centimeters). Photo by the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey.
Geology.com
Bituminous coal is typically a banded sedimentary rock. In this photo you can see bright and dull bands of coal material oriented horizontally across the specimen. The bright bands are well-preserved woody material, such as branches or stems. The dull bands can contain mineral material washed into the swamp by streams, charcoal produced by fires in the swamp, or degraded plant materials. This specimen is approximately three inches across (7.5 centimeters). Photo by the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey.
The Nested Calderas of Zavaritskogo Volcano
NASA Earth Observatory
Tucked away on a remote island in the Pacific Ocean, the volcano has recently been pinpointed as the likely source of a sunlight-dimming eruption. NASA Earth Observatory images by Wanmei Liang, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Story by Lindsey Doermann.
NASA Earth Observatory
Tucked away on a remote island in the Pacific Ocean, the volcano has recently been pinpointed as the likely source of a sunlight-dimming eruption. NASA Earth Observatory images by Wanmei Liang, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Story by Lindsey Doermann.
National Treasure: The Fearsome Science Behind the T. rex, the King of the Dinosaurs
The YouTube Channel of Smithsonian Magazine
The YouTube Channel of Smithsonian Magazine
80 Percent of Global CO2 Emissions Come From Just 57 Companies
Smithsonian
From the article: "Many of these companies increased their fossil fuel production after the Paris Agreement was signed in 2016."
Smithsonian
From the article: "Many of these companies increased their fossil fuel production after the Paris Agreement was signed in 2016."
A Quarry Worker Felt Strange Bumps While Digging.
They Turned Out to Be the Largest Dinosaur Trackway in the U.K.
Smithsonian
From the article: "The five sets of tracks represent four-legged sauropods and a three-toed carnivore that might have crossed paths on a prehistoric landscape."
They Turned Out to Be the Largest Dinosaur Trackway in the U.K.
Smithsonian
From the article: "The five sets of tracks represent four-legged sauropods and a three-toed carnivore that might have crossed paths on a prehistoric landscape."
Diamond Jewelry Importers Must Specify "Country of Mining"... Starting in April
JCKonline
It will be impossible for much of the world's diamond inventory to meet these new requirements because the stones were mined and mixed together before these requirements were imposed.
JCKonline
It will be impossible for much of the world's diamond inventory to meet these new requirements because the stones were mined and mixed together before these requirements were imposed.
Which Countries Mine the Most Gem-Quality Diamonds?
Geology.com
Once centered in Africa, diamond mining now occurs in many countries throughout the world. In recent years, Russia, Canada and Botswana have been leading producers of mined diamonds.
Geology.com
Once centered in Africa, diamond mining now occurs in many countries throughout the world. In recent years, Russia, Canada and Botswana have been leading producers of mined diamonds.
Newly Detected Near-Earth Asteroid Has Astronomers' Full Attention
Gift Article from the Washington Post
The white line is the orbital path of asteroid 2024-YR4. Diagram by NASA/JPL-Caltech.
Gift Article from the Washington Post
The white line is the orbital path of asteroid 2024-YR4. Diagram by NASA/JPL-Caltech.
Ancient Romans Breathed in Enough Lead to Lower Their IQs
Smithsonian
From the article: "Using Arctic ice core samples, researchers estimate silver mining and smelting released enough lead during the Pax Romana to cause a 2.5 to 3 point drop in IQ."
Smithsonian
From the article: "Using Arctic ice core samples, researchers estimate silver mining and smelting released enough lead during the Pax Romana to cause a 2.5 to 3 point drop in IQ."
Volcanoes and Lava Flows of the Sattitla Highlands (Northern California)
NASA Earth Observatory
From the article: "Evidence of the fiery history of the Sattitla Highlands in Northern California can be seen in every direction. Volcanoes have shaped the landscape over the past million years, and remnants of lava flows and eruptions remain visible today." Image and story by NASA Earth Observatory.
NASA Earth Observatory
From the article: "Evidence of the fiery history of the Sattitla Highlands in Northern California can be seen in every direction. Volcanoes have shaped the landscape over the past million years, and remnants of lava flows and eruptions remain visible today." Image and story by NASA Earth Observatory.
Why the Panama Canal Matters
Gift Article from the Washington Post
Map of Panama showing major cities and parts of Costa Rica and Colombia. Image from the CIA Factbook.
Gift Article from the Washington Post
Map of Panama showing major cities and parts of Costa Rica and Colombia. Image from the CIA Factbook.
Thawing Permafrost Helped Trigger Ancient Icelandic Landslides
EOS Science News
From the article: "New research shows that warming beginning about 13,000 years ago contributed to a proliferation of landslides in Iceland."
EOS Science News
From the article: "New research shows that warming beginning about 13,000 years ago contributed to a proliferation of landslides in Iceland."
Amethyst: Birthstone for February
Geology.com
Amethyst is the purple color variety of quartz. Because it is widely available and inexpensive, amethyst is the world's most popular purple gemstone.
Geology.com
Amethyst is the purple color variety of quartz. Because it is widely available and inexpensive, amethyst is the world's most popular purple gemstone.
The Hidden Pattern in Post Codes
CGP Grey
If you've ever been puzzled by the unusual boundaries on United States zip code maps, this video explains how and why postal codes are assigned to a given geographic area.
CGP Grey
If you've ever been puzzled by the unusual boundaries on United States zip code maps, this video explains how and why postal codes are assigned to a given geographic area.
Types of Maps
Geology.com
Believe it or not, there are thousands of different types of maps in existence. This article discusses some of the most widely used types. Shown above is part of a zip code map for the state of Connecticut.
Geology.com
Believe it or not, there are thousands of different types of maps in existence. This article discusses some of the most widely used types. Shown above is part of a zip code map for the state of Connecticut.
NASA's Curiosity Rover Accidentally Discovers Sulfur Crystals on Mars
Smithsonian
From the article: "The rover's wheel cracked open a rock and revealed pure elemental sulfur, which researchers have never seen on the Red Planet before."
Smithsonian
From the article: "The rover's wheel cracked open a rock and revealed pure elemental sulfur, which researchers have never seen on the Red Planet before."
Kawah Ijen: A Stinky Volcano on the Island of Java, Indonesia
Geology.com
Burning sulfur produces electric blue flames and a strong odor as it burns above a solfatara at Kawah Ijen Volcano on the island of Java, Indonesia.
Geology.com
Burning sulfur produces electric blue flames and a strong odor as it burns above a solfatara at Kawah Ijen Volcano on the island of Java, Indonesia.
Curiosity Rover Spots Ancient Water Ripples on Mars
Hinting at a Past With Shallow, Ice-Free Lakes
Smithsonian
From the article: "The 3.7-billion-year-old formations in the planet's Gale Crater suggest the presence of long-gone bodies of liquid water, with no ice covering the surface."
Hinting at a Past With Shallow, Ice-Free Lakes
Smithsonian
From the article: "The 3.7-billion-year-old formations in the planet's Gale Crater suggest the presence of long-gone bodies of liquid water, with no ice covering the surface."
Recent Flights Trigger Snow Over Denver
Gift Article from the Washington Post
From the article: "The aircraft flew through a layer of 'supercooled water droplets,' producing snow."
Gift Article from the Washington Post
From the article: "The aircraft flew through a layer of 'supercooled water droplets,' producing snow."
Alaska's Juneau Icefield Is Melting at an 'Incredibly Worrying' 50,000 Gallons per Second
Smithsonian
From the article: "Between 2010 and 2020, the icefield lost 1.4 cubic miles of ice each year, according to a new study."
Smithsonian
From the article: "Between 2010 and 2020, the icefield lost 1.4 cubic miles of ice each year, according to a new study."
Here's Why Trump's Pursuit of Greenland Is Really About the Control Over the Arctic
CNBC
From the article: "President Donald Trump has reiterated his desire to buy Greenland, and refused to rule out using military or economic coercion to achieve his goal of controlling the autonomous territory of Denmark."
CNBC
From the article: "President Donald Trump has reiterated his desire to buy Greenland, and refused to rule out using military or economic coercion to achieve his goal of controlling the autonomous territory of Denmark."
Map of Greenland
Geology.com
A map showing the location of Greenland relative to the North Pole, Arctic Ocean, Arctic Circle and northern lands such as the Canadian Archipelago, Iceland, Svalbard, and Scandinavia.
Geology.com
A map showing the location of Greenland relative to the North Pole, Arctic Ocean, Arctic Circle and northern lands such as the Canadian Archipelago, Iceland, Svalbard, and Scandinavia.
How the Largest Volcanic Eruption in Human History Changed the World
Smithsonian
Landsat view of the Toba Eruption site: About 73,000 years ago, a volcano known as "Toba" erupted on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. It was one of the largest volcanic eruptions that can be documented with current evidence. The blast is believed to have deforested parts of India - about 3000 miles away - and ejected about 2600 cubic kilometers of volcanic debris. Today the crater is the world's largest volcanic lake - about 100 kilometers long and 35 kilometers wide. Image composed using Landsat Geocover 2000 data from NASA.
Smithsonian
Landsat view of the Toba Eruption site: About 73,000 years ago, a volcano known as "Toba" erupted on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. It was one of the largest volcanic eruptions that can be documented with current evidence. The blast is believed to have deforested parts of India - about 3000 miles away - and ejected about 2600 cubic kilometers of volcanic debris. Today the crater is the world's largest volcanic lake - about 100 kilometers long and 35 kilometers wide. Image composed using Landsat Geocover 2000 data from NASA.
What Is the Volcanic Explosivity Index?
Geology.com
The Volcanic Explosivity Index is a scale that is used to rate the strength of a volcanic eruption based upon the volume of tephra ejected. See the graphic below...
The spheres in the illustration above represent the volume of erupted tephra for some of the most widely-known explosive volcanic eruptions. Although most people believe that Vesuvius (79 AD - the Pompeii eruption), Mount St. Helens (1980), and Mount Pinatubo (1991) were enormous, they are very small compared to ancient eruptions such as Wah Wah Springs, Toba, Yellowstone, or Long Valley Caldera.
Geology.com
The Volcanic Explosivity Index is a scale that is used to rate the strength of a volcanic eruption based upon the volume of tephra ejected. See the graphic below...
The spheres in the illustration above represent the volume of erupted tephra for some of the most widely-known explosive volcanic eruptions. Although most people believe that Vesuvius (79 AD - the Pompeii eruption), Mount St. Helens (1980), and Mount Pinatubo (1991) were enormous, they are very small compared to ancient eruptions such as Wah Wah Springs, Toba, Yellowstone, or Long Valley Caldera.
Earth's Magnetic North Pole Is Shifting Toward Siberia.
What Is This Unusual Movement?
Smithsonian
Map of observed and estimated locations of Earth's north magnetic pole from NASA's "Wandering of the Geomagnetic Poles" interactive viewer.
What Is This Unusual Movement?
Smithsonian
Map of observed and estimated locations of Earth's north magnetic pole from NASA's "Wandering of the Geomagnetic Poles" interactive viewer.
These Maps Show How Winter Has Flipped Upside Down in the United States
Gift Article from the Washington Post
Gift Article from the Washington Post
Southern States Frozen Over
NASA Earth Observatory
A rare winter storm brought frigid temperatures and heavy snow to states from Texas to North Carolina. Satellite image showing snow cover along the Gulf Coast on January 22, 2025. NASA Earth Observatory image by Wanmei Liang, using MODIS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE and GIBS/Worldview. Story by Emily Cassidy.
NASA Earth Observatory
A rare winter storm brought frigid temperatures and heavy snow to states from Texas to North Carolina. Satellite image showing snow cover along the Gulf Coast on January 22, 2025. NASA Earth Observatory image by Wanmei Liang, using MODIS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE and GIBS/Worldview. Story by Emily Cassidy.
The Looming Threat of Landslides in the Wildfire-Damaged Areas of Los Angeles County
EOS Science News
EOS Science News
Is the Midwest Due for a "Doomsday Earthquake"?
The Science Behind New Madrid Seismic Zone Rumors
Speaking of Geosciences Blog
The Science Behind New Madrid Seismic Zone Rumors
Speaking of Geosciences Blog