Underwater Kelp Forests are Making a Comeback in California
Smithsonian Magazine
Kelp is a large type of algae that cleans and oxygenates the water, absorbs tons of carbon dioxide, and provides a habitat for countless aquatic species. This article discusses how restoration efforts are paying off for kelp forests along the coast of California. Areas that had become barren are now seeing the return of entire ecosystems of sea creatures that live within and rely on the kelp forests. Photo by Kate Vylet / California Sea Grant, displayed here under a Creative Commons license.
Smithsonian Magazine
Kelp is a large type of algae that cleans and oxygenates the water, absorbs tons of carbon dioxide, and provides a habitat for countless aquatic species. This article discusses how restoration efforts are paying off for kelp forests along the coast of California. Areas that had become barren are now seeing the return of entire ecosystems of sea creatures that live within and rely on the kelp forests. Photo by Kate Vylet / California Sea Grant, displayed here under a Creative Commons license.
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When Cascadia Gives Way, the San Andreas Sometimes Follows
EOS
From the article: "Roughly half of the earthquakes that occurred along the southern Cascadia subduction zone over the past 3,000 years were temporally associated with earthquakes along the northern San Andreas fault." Block diagram of the Cascadia Subduction Zone by the United States Geological Survey.
EOS
From the article: "Roughly half of the earthquakes that occurred along the southern Cascadia subduction zone over the past 3,000 years were temporally associated with earthquakes along the northern San Andreas fault." Block diagram of the Cascadia Subduction Zone by the United States Geological Survey.
Sotheby's Set to Auction the Desert Rose, a 31.68-Carat Fancy Vivid Pink Diamond
JCKOnline
The Desert Rose has a rare "sunset-like" orangey hue and is estimated to be sold for between $5 million and $7 million. Photograph by Sotheby's.
JCKOnline
The Desert Rose has a rare "sunset-like" orangey hue and is estimated to be sold for between $5 million and $7 million. Photograph by Sotheby's.
All About Colored Diamonds
Geology.com
Colored diamonds are diamonds that have a noticeable bodycolor when viewed in the face-up position. Brown and yellow are the most common colors in natural colored diamonds. Diamonds with natural pink, blue, orange, green, red, and violet bodycolors are extremely rare. Images in the wonderful collection of colored diamonds shown above are used with permission of IBD Fancy Colors LLC.
Geology.com
Colored diamonds are diamonds that have a noticeable bodycolor when viewed in the face-up position. Brown and yellow are the most common colors in natural colored diamonds. Diamonds with natural pink, blue, orange, green, red, and violet bodycolors are extremely rare. Images in the wonderful collection of colored diamonds shown above are used with permission of IBD Fancy Colors LLC.
Video: Practical Uses of Birthstones
SciShow
Is your birthstone useful for scientific applications, or just pretty to look at? Find out in this video.
SciShow
Is your birthstone useful for scientific applications, or just pretty to look at? Find out in this video.
Birthstones by Month
Geology.com
Giving the gift of birthstone jewelry is a long-standing tradition in the United States and many other countries.
Geology.com
Giving the gift of birthstone jewelry is a long-standing tradition in the United States and many other countries.
Three Regions in the U.S. Each Produce More Natural Gas Than Most Countries
Energy Information Administration
Maps and graphs by the United States Energy Information Administration
Energy Information Administration
Maps and graphs by the United States Energy Information Administration
Brazil Is Expanding Its LNG Import Infrastructure
Energy Information Administration
Brazil has been adding new liquified natural gas import facilities at a rapid rate. The country could be a potential market for U.S. natural gas producers and LNG export companies.
Energy Information Administration
Brazil has been adding new liquified natural gas import facilities at a rapid rate. The country could be a potential market for U.S. natural gas producers and LNG export companies.
What is LNG - Liquefied Natural Gas?
Geology.com
An LNG carrier ship docked at the Bontang LNG liquefaction terminal in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. The LNG is carried in the ship's four dome-shaped tanks. Image copyright iStockphoto / Mayumi Terao.
Geology.com
An LNG carrier ship docked at the Bontang LNG liquefaction terminal in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. The LNG is carried in the ship's four dome-shaped tanks. Image copyright iStockphoto / Mayumi Terao.
Faults vs. Fractures -- How to Tell Them Apart ?
Tectonics and Structural Geology at EGU Blogs
Article by Hardy Nkodia, PhD, Research Assistant and Lecturer, Marien Ngouabi University, Republic of Congo. About the photo: small slip faults echo the nearby Moab Fault underlying Highway 191. A National Park Service Photo by Veronica Verdin.
Tectonics and Structural Geology at EGU Blogs
Article by Hardy Nkodia, PhD, Research Assistant and Lecturer, Marien Ngouabi University, Republic of Congo. About the photo: small slip faults echo the nearby Moab Fault underlying Highway 191. A National Park Service Photo by Veronica Verdin.
Kamchatka Megathrust Earthquake: What lies in the Pacific Ring of Fire
Blog of the Geodynamics Division of the European Geosciences Union
Unfolding the Chronicle of Kamchatka’s Region Megathrust Earthquake
Blog of the Geodynamics Division of the European Geosciences Union
Unfolding the Chronicle of Kamchatka’s Region Megathrust Earthquake
Mount Semeru Volcanic Eruption in Indonesia Prompts Evacuations
The Guardian
Mount Semeru is the tallest volcano on the island of Java in Indonesia. It is erupting and blanketing several villages with volcanic ash. No casualties have been reported and about 300 people have been evacuated. Photograph by Tom Casadevall, United States Geological Survey.
The Guardian
Mount Semeru is the tallest volcano on the island of Java in Indonesia. It is erupting and blanketing several villages with volcanic ash. No casualties have been reported and about 300 people have been evacuated. Photograph by Tom Casadevall, United States Geological Survey.
Volcanic Ash - The Product of a Volcano that Is Often Underestimated
Geology.com
Volcanic ash on cars at Clark Air Base in the Philippines after the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo. This parking lot is about 25 kilometers east of the eruption and received about 9 centimeters of ash. USGS image by R.P. Hoblitt.
Geology.com
Volcanic ash on cars at Clark Air Base in the Philippines after the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo. This parking lot is about 25 kilometers east of the eruption and received about 9 centimeters of ash. USGS image by R.P. Hoblitt.
Facts About Io, Jupiter's Third Largest Moon
NASA Live
The north polar region of Jupiter's volcanic moon, Io. Image captured by NASA's Juno Mission on December 30, 2023. Image processing by Gerald Eichstädt.
NASA Live
The north polar region of Jupiter's volcanic moon, Io. Image captured by NASA's Juno Mission on December 30, 2023. Image processing by Gerald Eichstädt.
Active Volcanoes of Our Solar System
Geology.com
Io, a moon of Jupiter, is the most volcanically active body in our solar system. It has over 100 active volcanic centers, many of which have multiple active vents. Eruptions recurrently resurface large parts of the moon. NASA image.
Geology.com
Io, a moon of Jupiter, is the most volcanically active body in our solar system. It has over 100 active volcanic centers, many of which have multiple active vents. Eruptions recurrently resurface large parts of the moon. NASA image.
How GIA Analyzes Colored Stones from Start to Finish
Gemological Institute of America
Here’s a clear, step-by-step look at how GIA evaluates colored gemstones once they arrive at the lab.
Gemological Institute of America
Here’s a clear, step-by-step look at how GIA evaluates colored gemstones once they arrive at the lab.
VIDEO: Skies of Crimson: Uncommon Aurora Borealis Lights Up Alaska and Beyond
Alaska News Source
Images of the dark crimson red aurora in Alaska and aurorae in other parts of the world. Nice video.
Alaska News Source
Images of the dark crimson red aurora in Alaska and aurorae in other parts of the world. Nice video.
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.
Researchers Used 'Space Dust' to Build a Timeline of Arctic Sea Ice History
Smithsonian Magazine
Understanding the extent of past Arctic ice could help predict how the planet will respond to global warming. Map created by the National Snow and Ice Data Center.
Smithsonian Magazine
Understanding the extent of past Arctic ice could help predict how the planet will respond to global warming. Map created by the National Snow and Ice Data Center.
What Is 'Space Dust' ?
Wikipedia Article
Scanning electron microscope image of a particle of 'space dust' identified as a porous chondrite. Image created by Donald E. Brownlee, University of Washington, Seattle, and Elmar Jessberger, Institut für Planetologie, Münster, Germany.
Wikipedia Article
Scanning electron microscope image of a particle of 'space dust' identified as a porous chondrite. Image created by Donald E. Brownlee, University of Washington, Seattle, and Elmar Jessberger, Institut für Planetologie, Münster, Germany.
Chondrites: The Most Abundant Type of Meteorite
Geology.com
Chondrites are stone meteorites that are made up of 'chondrules' (small grain-like spheres of extraterrestrial origin). The photo shows a complete individual of the Allende carbonaceous chondrite that fell in Mexico in 1969. Its exterior is covered by a black fusion crust. Where the fusion crust is broken away the mass of chondrules inside have a grey and white granular texture. Chondrites are thought to be derived from the stony crust of asteroids. Photograph by Leigh Anne DelRay, copyright Aerolite Meteorites.
Geology.com
Chondrites are stone meteorites that are made up of 'chondrules' (small grain-like spheres of extraterrestrial origin). The photo shows a complete individual of the Allende carbonaceous chondrite that fell in Mexico in 1969. Its exterior is covered by a black fusion crust. Where the fusion crust is broken away the mass of chondrules inside have a grey and white granular texture. Chondrites are thought to be derived from the stony crust of asteroids. Photograph by Leigh Anne DelRay, copyright Aerolite Meteorites.
1.5 Million Acres of Alaskan Wildlife Refuge to Open for Drilling
EOS
The Trump administration announced that the 1.5-million acre coastal plains in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge of Alaska will open for drilling. About the photo: Caribou graze on the plain, with the Brooks Range as a backdrop. Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, CC BY 2.0.
EOS
The Trump administration announced that the 1.5-million acre coastal plains in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge of Alaska will open for drilling. About the photo: Caribou graze on the plain, with the Brooks Range as a backdrop. Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, CC BY 2.0.
Nearly a Million People Evacuate as Super Typhoon Fung-wong Threatens the Philippines
National Public Radio
The image shows Typhoon Fung-wong reaching its peak as a Category 4 typhoon on November 9, 2025. Satellite image by the Japan Meteorological Agency, displayed here under a Creative Commons License.
National Public Radio
The image shows Typhoon Fung-wong reaching its peak as a Category 4 typhoon on November 9, 2025. Satellite image by the Japan Meteorological Agency, displayed here under a Creative Commons License.
One of Science's Biggest Dinosaur Debates May Finally Be Settled
The Washington Post
For decades, paleontologists debated whether fossils were of a young T. rex or a species called nanotyrannus. A new study settles it: Nanotyrannus is real.
The Washington Post
For decades, paleontologists debated whether fossils were of a young T. rex or a species called nanotyrannus. A new study settles it: Nanotyrannus is real.
USGS List of Critical Minerals for 2025
United States Geological Survey
Critical minerals are both essential to the Nation’s economy or national security and have supply chains that are vulnerable to disruption.
United States Geological Survey
Critical minerals are both essential to the Nation’s economy or national security and have supply chains that are vulnerable to disruption.
The Lawless Rush for Rare Earth Minerals in Venezuela
The Guardian
Quote from the article: "Guerrilla groups have seized control of mining areas, exploiting Indigenous people and fuelling environmental ruin on the border with Colombia."
Photograph of rare earth oxides. Clockwise from top center: praseodymium, cerium, lanthanum, neodymium, samarium, and gadolinium. Image by Peggy Greb, USDA image gallery.
The Guardian
Quote from the article: "Guerrilla groups have seized control of mining areas, exploiting Indigenous people and fuelling environmental ruin on the border with Colombia."
Photograph of rare earth oxides. Clockwise from top center: praseodymium, cerium, lanthanum, neodymium, samarium, and gadolinium. Image by Peggy Greb, USDA image gallery.
Stone Tools Trace Paleolithic Pacific Migration into North America
Phys.org
This article describes archaeological evidence, from a study of stone tools, that supports a coastal travel route between Asia and North America during the last ice age.
Phys.org
This article describes archaeological evidence, from a study of stone tools, that supports a coastal travel route between Asia and North America during the last ice age.
Land of Many Waters and Much Sediment
NASA Earth Observatory
The satellite image above shows the confluence of several rivers in Guyana, a country whose name means "land of many waters". The rivers are colored by suspended sediment and tannins. Much of the sediment is stirred up by the mining of gold and diamonds upstream. NASA Earth Observatory image by Wanmei Liang, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey.
NASA Earth Observatory
The satellite image above shows the confluence of several rivers in Guyana, a country whose name means "land of many waters". The rivers are colored by suspended sediment and tannins. Much of the sediment is stirred up by the mining of gold and diamonds upstream. NASA Earth Observatory image by Wanmei Liang, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey.
Birthstones for the Month of November: Topaz and Citrine
Geology.com
Topaz is a traditional birthstone for the month of November.
Citrine was added as an alternative November birthstone in 1952.
Geology.com
Topaz is a traditional birthstone for the month of November.
Citrine was added as an alternative November birthstone in 1952.
Hurricane Melissa Leaves Dozens Dead and Destruction Across Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica
Associated Press (article link) / ABC News (video)
Link to the story is at Associated Press, Video is by ABC News.
Associated Press (article link) / ABC News (video)
Link to the story is at Associated Press, Video is by ABC News.
Residents of France's Last Outpost in North America Try to Outrun the Sea
The Guardian
From the article: "As rising tides eat away at the Saint-Pierre and Miquelon archipelago off the island of Newfoundland, Canada, plans to move the historic village to higher ground have divided residents."
The Guardian
From the article: "As rising tides eat away at the Saint-Pierre and Miquelon archipelago off the island of Newfoundland, Canada, plans to move the historic village to higher ground have divided residents."
Qatar
United States Energy Information Administration
Although Qatar is a tiny country, it has enormous oil and natural gas resources, ranking 12th worldwide in the amount of energy produced on a BTU basis.
United States Energy Information Administration
Although Qatar is a tiny country, it has enormous oil and natural gas resources, ranking 12th worldwide in the amount of energy produced on a BTU basis.
California Sees a Return of "Gold Fever" Amid Record High Gold Prices
San Francisco Chronicle
Photograph of a person panning for gold with a metal pan in Bonanza Creek near Dawson, Yukon, Canada. A Wikimedia image attributed to Janothird and displayed here under a GNU Free Documentation License.
San Francisco Chronicle
Photograph of a person panning for gold with a metal pan in Bonanza Creek near Dawson, Yukon, Canada. A Wikimedia image attributed to Janothird and displayed here under a GNU Free Documentation License.
The Many Uses of Gold
Geology.com
The United States government currently mints coins from gold and other precious metals; however, they are intended for investment and collecting. They are not intended for use as legal tender.
Geology.com
The United States government currently mints coins from gold and other precious metals; however, they are intended for investment and collecting. They are not intended for use as legal tender.
Antarctic Krill: How Did a Paperclip-sized Crustacean Cause a Diplomatic Row ?
and... Why Are Krill So Important in the Southern Ocean ?
The Guardian
Antarctic krill feed on plankton and are an important creature in the food chain of the Southern Ocean. They also serve as a store of carbon and help regulate the level of carbon in Earth's atmosphere.
The image shows an Antarctic krill with a spitball in the lower right corner and a fecal string in the lower left corner. The photo is attributed to Uwe Kils and is displayed here under a GNU Free Document License.
and... Why Are Krill So Important in the Southern Ocean ?
The Guardian
Antarctic krill feed on plankton and are an important creature in the food chain of the Southern Ocean. They also serve as a store of carbon and help regulate the level of carbon in Earth's atmosphere.
The image shows an Antarctic krill with a spitball in the lower right corner and a fecal string in the lower left corner. The photo is attributed to Uwe Kils and is displayed here under a GNU Free Document License.
Map of the World's Oceans
Geology.com
Although there is only one global ocean, geographers have divided it into five major regions (which are also called "oceans"). They are: the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, the Arctic Ocean and the Southern Ocean. These names facilitate communication. People who wish to be more specific can use names such as "the North Atlantic Ocean".
Geology.com
Although there is only one global ocean, geographers have divided it into five major regions (which are also called "oceans"). They are: the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, the Arctic Ocean and the Southern Ocean. These names facilitate communication. People who wish to be more specific can use names such as "the North Atlantic Ocean".
Hurricane Melissa Could Be Jamaica's Most Powerful Storm in History
NBC News
Click the map above to see the latest information for this storm on the National Hurricane Center website.
NBC News
Click the map above to see the latest information for this storm on the National Hurricane Center website.
Interactive Atlas of Critial Minerals
United States Geological Survey
Critical minerals power the technology behind smartphones, computers and even fighter planes. The interactive Critical Minerals Atlas shows where these critical minerals are produced around the world. At this website you can click on a country to see how many critical minerals it produces, its share of global production, and how each mineral is used.
United States Geological Survey
Critical minerals power the technology behind smartphones, computers and even fighter planes. The interactive Critical Minerals Atlas shows where these critical minerals are produced around the world. At this website you can click on a country to see how many critical minerals it produces, its share of global production, and how each mineral is used.
Why Is This Remote and Rugged River in Alaska Turning Orange?
Smithsonian Magazine
Author John McPhee described the Salmon River as having "the clearest, purest water I have ever seen flowing over rocks." Today, oxidizing minerals in thawing permafrost have given the river an orange "rusty" color.
Smithsonian Magazine
Author John McPhee described the Salmon River as having "the clearest, purest water I have ever seen flowing over rocks." Today, oxidizing minerals in thawing permafrost have given the river an orange "rusty" color.
Archaeologists Uncover the Oldest Known Projectile Points in the Americas
(This item is not "News" but it is interesting and related to the item below.)
Phys.org
Oregon State University archaeologists have uncovered projectile points in Idaho that are thousands of years older than any previously found in the Americas, helping to fill in the history of how early humans crafted and used stone weapons.
(This item is not "News" but it is interesting and related to the item below.)
Phys.org
Oregon State University archaeologists have uncovered projectile points in Idaho that are thousands of years older than any previously found in the Americas, helping to fill in the history of how early humans crafted and used stone weapons.
New Artifacts Suggest People Arrived in North America Earlier than Previously Thought
Phys.org
Stone tools and other artifacts unearthed from an archeological dig at the Cooper's Ferry site in western Idaho suggest that people lived in the area 16,000 years ago, more than a thousand years earlier than scientists previously thought.
Phys.org
Stone tools and other artifacts unearthed from an archeological dig at the Cooper's Ferry site in western Idaho suggest that people lived in the area 16,000 years ago, more than a thousand years earlier than scientists previously thought.
NOAA's Flood Inundation Mapping Tool Expands to Cover 60% of the U.S. Population
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
From the article: "NOAA announced that the groundbreaking experimental Flood Inundation Mapping tool has expanded significantly to serve 60% of the U.S. population, up from 30% the previous year. The tool provides near-real-time, high-resolution, street-level visualizations of flood waters to assist National Weather Service forecasters in issuing flood watches and flood warnings." The simulated image shown above shows potential flooding over Warfield, Kentucky, along the Tug Fork River in February 2025.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
From the article: "NOAA announced that the groundbreaking experimental Flood Inundation Mapping tool has expanded significantly to serve 60% of the U.S. population, up from 30% the previous year. The tool provides near-real-time, high-resolution, street-level visualizations of flood waters to assist National Weather Service forecasters in issuing flood watches and flood warnings." The simulated image shown above shows potential flooding over Warfield, Kentucky, along the Tug Fork River in February 2025.
Landsat at Work: USGS Informing Domestic Lithium Development
United States Geological Survey
From the USGS article: "Landsat data can be used to estimate groundwater depth and assess vegetation near potential mine sites, which are two key factors in environmental impact assessments. A recent example of this application is the Thacker Pass project in Northern Nevada’s Humboldt County, where lithium is plentiful but water is scarce."
Mine location image from Google Maps. Google maps also serves as an information source for many mineral assessment and development projects.
United States Geological Survey
From the USGS article: "Landsat data can be used to estimate groundwater depth and assess vegetation near potential mine sites, which are two key factors in environmental impact assessments. A recent example of this application is the Thacker Pass project in Northern Nevada’s Humboldt County, where lithium is plentiful but water is scarce."
Mine location image from Google Maps. Google maps also serves as an information source for many mineral assessment and development projects.
USGS Supports 13 States in Joint Work on Critical Minerals in Mine Waste
United States Geological Survey
Photograph of USGS staff members atop a stockpile of waste rock at a mine in New Mexico.
United States Geological Survey
Photograph of USGS staff members atop a stockpile of waste rock at a mine in New Mexico.
Australian Rainforests Become the First to Emit More Carbon Than They Absorb
Smithsonian Magazine
Photograph of the Daintree Rainforest, Queensland, Australia by Robert Linsdell, displayed here under a Creative Commons License.
Smithsonian Magazine
Photograph of the Daintree Rainforest, Queensland, Australia by Robert Linsdell, displayed here under a Creative Commons License.
What Happened to Pompeii Residents Who Survived the AD 79 Eruption of Vesuvius?
Live Science
Quote from the article: "I have found two or three rich guys, but I found a couple hundred middle class and even some desperately poor people who made it out and left records. And that shocked me."
Live Science
Quote from the article: "I have found two or three rich guys, but I found a couple hundred middle class and even some desperately poor people who made it out and left records. And that shocked me."
Mount Vesuvius: The Volcano that Buried Pompeii
Geology.com
Plaster casts of people who died in the city of Pompeii during the 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius. They were buried in volcanic ash. Image: Garden of the Fugitives. This photo was taken by Lancevortex and is distributed under a GNU Free Documentation License.
Geology.com
Plaster casts of people who died in the city of Pompeii during the 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius. They were buried in volcanic ash. Image: Garden of the Fugitives. This photo was taken by Lancevortex and is distributed under a GNU Free Documentation License.
U.S. Natural Gas Exports to Mexico Reach New Records
Energy Information Administration
Natural gas exports from the United States to Mexico have been rising, reaching record levels in 2025.
Energy Information Administration
Natural gas exports from the United States to Mexico have been rising, reaching record levels in 2025.
Fisherman Was Digging for Worms When He Stumbled Upon a Trove of Medieval Silver
Smithsonian Magazine
A fisherman who was digging for worms near Stockholm, Sweden found a fantastic surprise: a copper cauldron full of silver jewelry and coins. The cache, which weighs a whopping 13 pounds (5.89 kg), is thought to date back to the twelfth century.
Smithsonian Magazine
A fisherman who was digging for worms near Stockholm, Sweden found a fantastic surprise: a copper cauldron full of silver jewelry and coins. The cache, which weighs a whopping 13 pounds (5.89 kg), is thought to date back to the twelfth century.
The Many Uses of Silver
Geology.com
When most people hear the word "silver", they probably think of jewelry and coins. However, silver has unique properties that make it very useful for many different industrial applications. Images copyright iStockphoto / Jorge Farres Sanchez, Tatiana Buzuleac, Nigel Spooner, and Stephanie Frey.
Geology.com
When most people hear the word "silver", they probably think of jewelry and coins. However, silver has unique properties that make it very useful for many different industrial applications. Images copyright iStockphoto / Jorge Farres Sanchez, Tatiana Buzuleac, Nigel Spooner, and Stephanie Frey.
What You Might Not Know About the Manicouagan Crater
United States Geological Survey on YouTube
From the video description: "In the late Triassic Period, a 3 mile wide asteroid struck northern Pangea at over 30,000 miles per hour. The resulting crater is now 214 million years old, but the dramatic circular lake visible in 2024 Landsat imagery is a surprisingly recent feature."
United States Geological Survey on YouTube
From the video description: "In the late Triassic Period, a 3 mile wide asteroid struck northern Pangea at over 30,000 miles per hour. The resulting crater is now 214 million years old, but the dramatic circular lake visible in 2024 Landsat imagery is a surprisingly recent feature."
Celebrating the Tercentenary of James Hutton (1726–1797), The Founder of Modern Geology
Speaking of Geoscience
From Wikipedia: "Hutton was a Scottish geologist, agriculturalist, chemical manufacturer, naturalist and physician. He is often referred to as the 'Father of Modern Geology,' because he played a key role in establishing geology as a modern science." Photo of Siccar Point, the outcrop that helped Hutton realize the enormous extent of Geologic Time, by Stuart Sutherland.
Speaking of Geoscience
From Wikipedia: "Hutton was a Scottish geologist, agriculturalist, chemical manufacturer, naturalist and physician. He is often referred to as the 'Father of Modern Geology,' because he played a key role in establishing geology as a modern science." Photo of Siccar Point, the outcrop that helped Hutton realize the enormous extent of Geologic Time, by Stuart Sutherland.
Oil and Natural Gas In the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Energy Information Administration
This brief examines the regional dynamics of the oil and natural gas markets in the Eastern Mediterranean, focusing on Israel, Egypt, Cyprus, Jordan, and Lebanon. Map by the Energy Information Administration.
Energy Information Administration
This brief examines the regional dynamics of the oil and natural gas markets in the Eastern Mediterranean, focusing on Israel, Egypt, Cyprus, Jordan, and Lebanon. Map by the Energy Information Administration.
North America's LNG Export Capacity Could More Than Double by 2029
Energy Information Administration
Liquefied natural gas exporters in the United States plan to more than double their liquefaction capacity by adding an estimated 13.9 billion cubic feet per day between 2025 and 2029.
Energy Information Administration
Liquefied natural gas exporters in the United States plan to more than double their liquefaction capacity by adding an estimated 13.9 billion cubic feet per day between 2025 and 2029.
What is LNG - Liquefied Natural Gas?
Geology.com
An LNG carrier ship docked at the Bontang LNG liquefaction terminal in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. The LNG is carried in the ship's four dome-shaped tanks. Image copyright iStockphoto / Mayumi Terao.
Geology.com
An LNG carrier ship docked at the Bontang LNG liquefaction terminal in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. The LNG is carried in the ship's four dome-shaped tanks. Image copyright iStockphoto / Mayumi Terao.
How China's Rare Earth Restrictions Could Disrupt the U.S.
Defense Industry and Reignite a Trade War
CNBC
Quote from the article: "China will not allow the export of rare earth materials for use by foreign militaries under restrictions announced last week."
Defense Industry and Reignite a Trade War
CNBC
Quote from the article: "China will not allow the export of rare earth materials for use by foreign militaries under restrictions announced last week."
Did You Know that Some Microscopic Organisms Are Able to Move Through Polar Ice?
EOS
From the article: "New research has shown that ice diatoms have adapted to move efficiently through the ice, allowing them to navigate to better sources of light and nutrients."
EOS
From the article: "New research has shown that ice diatoms have adapted to move efficiently through the ice, allowing them to navigate to better sources of light and nutrients."
Evidence of Partial Synchronization of the San Andreas Fault and Cascadia Megathrust
Geosphere
A new study suggests that an enormous earthquake in the Cascadia Subduction Zone could trigger a major earthquake in California. Public domain image by the United States Geological Survey.
Geosphere
A new study suggests that an enormous earthquake in the Cascadia Subduction Zone could trigger a major earthquake in California. Public domain image by the United States Geological Survey.
New Maps of Natural Radioactivity Reveal Critical Minerals and More
EOS
From the article: "High-resolution airborne radiometric surveys are covering more ground than ever to provide insights into unseen geology, mineral resource potential, and possible health hazards."
About the photo: "An airborne radiometric survey helicopter used to collect radiometric and magnetic data during low altitude flights over Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia in 2022." Public domain image by Anjana Shah, U.S. Geological Survey.
EOS
From the article: "High-resolution airborne radiometric surveys are covering more ground than ever to provide insights into unseen geology, mineral resource potential, and possible health hazards."
About the photo: "An airborne radiometric survey helicopter used to collect radiometric and magnetic data during low altitude flights over Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia in 2022." Public domain image by Anjana Shah, U.S. Geological Survey.
Non-Stop Snow, Instant Noodles, and Yaks: Trekkers Trapped on Everest
The Guardian
Did you see TV news about "1,000 people trapped on Mount Everest?" Many of these people were not climbing to the summit. Instead they were on a multi-day trek (hike) and got caught in the bitter weather of a severe mountain snow storm. Many sheltered for days in their tents - until rescued by local villagers, yak herders, and mountain guides. More of this embarrassing story in The Guardian's article.
The Guardian
Did you see TV news about "1,000 people trapped on Mount Everest?" Many of these people were not climbing to the summit. Instead they were on a multi-day trek (hike) and got caught in the bitter weather of a severe mountain snow storm. Many sheltered for days in their tents - until rescued by local villagers, yak herders, and mountain guides. More of this embarrassing story in The Guardian's article.
Two Powerful Earthquakes Strike the Philippines With Numerous People Killed
ABC News
A strong 7.4 magnitude earthquake occurred off the southeastern part of the Philippines archipelago. It produced intensity 7 shaking in Davao City and was felt by millions of people across the Philippines islands. Numerous aftershocks are being felt.
ABC News
A strong 7.4 magnitude earthquake occurred off the southeastern part of the Philippines archipelago. It produced intensity 7 shaking in Davao City and was felt by millions of people across the Philippines islands. Numerous aftershocks are being felt.
Rare Earth Stocks Surge After China Tightens Exports (article and video)
CNBC
China tightens their exports of rare earth minerals, and shares of U.S. rare earth and critical mineral miners / processors shot up in price. The Trump administration has taken equity stakes in several companies to assist them in developing domestic sources, processing, and manufacturing capabilities for these materials.
CNBC
China tightens their exports of rare earth minerals, and shares of U.S. rare earth and critical mineral miners / processors shot up in price. The Trump administration has taken equity stakes in several companies to assist them in developing domestic sources, processing, and manufacturing capabilities for these materials.
Rare Earth Element Production is Up... China Is Still the Big Producer
Geology.com
This chart shows a history of rare earth element production, in metric tons of rare earth oxide equivalent, between 1955 and 2024. It clearly shows the United States' entry into the market in the mid-1960s when color television exploded demand. When China began selling rare earths at very low prices in the late 1980s and early 1990s, mines in the United States were forced to close because... read the full caption and article.
Geology.com
This chart shows a history of rare earth element production, in metric tons of rare earth oxide equivalent, between 1955 and 2024. It clearly shows the United States' entry into the market in the mid-1960s when color television exploded demand. When China began selling rare earths at very low prices in the late 1980s and early 1990s, mines in the United States were forced to close because... read the full caption and article.
Get an Eyeful of Iceland in 20 Photos That Capture Its Natural Beauty
Smithsonian Magazine
Iceland is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean, located between Greenland, Norway and the UK. These spectacular photos include the following: Icelandic volcanoes, the Northern Lights, aerial views of the Icelandic Highlands, a view of the black sand beach to the snow-covered mountain named Vestrahorn, the braided and ice-covered Tungnaa River, a colorful puffin, the hotspot responsible for Fagradalsfjall Volcano, Icelandic horses, waterfalls, wildlife, a cave under a glacier, a hot spring, red-hot lava flows, winter beaches, Svortuloft Lighthouse, a red crater, black sand, and green mountains.
Smithsonian Magazine
Iceland is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean, located between Greenland, Norway and the UK. These spectacular photos include the following: Icelandic volcanoes, the Northern Lights, aerial views of the Icelandic Highlands, a view of the black sand beach to the snow-covered mountain named Vestrahorn, the braided and ice-covered Tungnaa River, a colorful puffin, the hotspot responsible for Fagradalsfjall Volcano, Icelandic horses, waterfalls, wildlife, a cave under a glacier, a hot spring, red-hot lava flows, winter beaches, Svortuloft Lighthouse, a red crater, black sand, and green mountains.
Electricity is Becoming More Common for Residential Heating
Energy Information Administration
Since 2010 the percentage of homes being heated by electricity has risen from 35% to 42%. At the same time the number being heated by heating oil or wood has gone down, and the number heated by propane or other fuels has remained approximately the same.
Energy Information Administration
Since 2010 the percentage of homes being heated by electricity has risen from 35% to 42%. At the same time the number being heated by heating oil or wood has gone down, and the number heated by propane or other fuels has remained approximately the same.
By 2100, Humans Might See a Glacier-Free Sierra Nevada for the First Time Ever
Smithsonian Magazine
New research suggests that within the next 75 years, California glaciers that are thousands of years old could melt completely.
Smithsonian Magazine
New research suggests that within the next 75 years, California glaciers that are thousands of years old could melt completely.
Decades-Old Data From Saturn's Moon Enceladus Hints at Favorable Conditions for Life
Smithsonian Magazine
From the article: "The Cassini spacecraft flew by the small, icy moon in 2008, collecting information that suggests it shoots out molecules that could enable life".
Smithsonian Magazine
From the article: "The Cassini spacecraft flew by the small, icy moon in 2008, collecting information that suggests it shoots out molecules that could enable life".
Active Volcanoes of Our Solar System
Geology.com
Evidence of past volcanic activity has been found on most planets in our solar system and on many of their moons. The image above is an artist's vision of what a cryovolcano might look like on the surface of Enceladus, with Saturn visible in the background. NASA image.
Geology.com
Evidence of past volcanic activity has been found on most planets in our solar system and on many of their moons. The image above is an artist's vision of what a cryovolcano might look like on the surface of Enceladus, with Saturn visible in the background. NASA image.
Imelda and Humberto Crowd the Atlantic
NASA Earth Observatory
The satellite image above shows Tropical Storm Imelda on the U.S. East Coast, with Hurricane Humberto in the Atlantic Ocean to the right. Thanks to a seldom-seen phenomenon known as the Fujiwhara Effect, Humberto's great strength pulled Imelda away from the coast and sent it eastward into the Atlantic. NASA Earth Observatory image by Lauren Dauphin, using VIIRS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE, GIBS/Worldview, and the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership.
NASA Earth Observatory
The satellite image above shows Tropical Storm Imelda on the U.S. East Coast, with Hurricane Humberto in the Atlantic Ocean to the right. Thanks to a seldom-seen phenomenon known as the Fujiwhara Effect, Humberto's great strength pulled Imelda away from the coast and sent it eastward into the Atlantic. NASA Earth Observatory image by Lauren Dauphin, using VIIRS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE, GIBS/Worldview, and the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership.
How Are Hurricanes Named?
Geology.com
Hurricane Fran: Satellite image of a hurricane named "Fran." Hurricane Fran was a large, powerful, destructive hurricane that made landfall near Cape Fear, North Carolina on September 5, 1996. Fran was the sixth named storm of the 1996 hurricane season because "F" is the sixth letter in the alphabet. It was so destructive that the name "Fran" was retired from use. Satellite image by NASA.
Geology.com
Hurricane Fran: Satellite image of a hurricane named "Fran." Hurricane Fran was a large, powerful, destructive hurricane that made landfall near Cape Fear, North Carolina on September 5, 1996. Fran was the sixth named storm of the 1996 hurricane season because "F" is the sixth letter in the alphabet. It was so destructive that the name "Fran" was retired from use. Satellite image by NASA.