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Greece's Methana shows volcanoes can slumber a long time before reawakening

Greece's Methana shows volcanoes can slumber a long time before reawakening

By Marta Serafinko April 28 (Reuters) - For people living in communities in the shadow of a volcano, a long silence may give the impression that the geological beast is not merely sleeping but has gone extinct.

Volcanologists Reveal 'Extinct' Volcanoes May Be Accumulating Magma for Future Eruptions

Volcanologists Reveal 'Extinct' Volcanoes May Be Accumulating Magma for Future Eruptions

A team of volcanologists from ETH Zurich has discovered that volcanoes previously thought to be extinct may still be accumulating magma, potentially leading to future eruptions. The study focused on the Methana volcano near Athens, Greece, which has a history of eruptions spanning over 700,000 years. Researchers found that during long dormant periods, significant magma accumulation occurred, as evidenced by the formation of zircon crystals. This finding challenges the assumption that volcanoes become extinct after 10,000 years of inactivity, suggesting that quiescent volcanoes may still pose a threat.

What Makes the Guadalupe Mountains a Geological Marvel

What Makes the Guadalupe Mountains a Geological Marvel

The Guadalupe Mountains, located in West Texas and southeastern New Mexico, are a geological marvel. Known for their stunning landscapes and unique...

Earthquake Swarm Continues in Iceland's Volcanic Zones

Earthquake Swarm Continues in Iceland's Volcanic Zones

Iceland is experiencing a series of earthquakes in its active volcanic zones, as reported by Iceland Review. The swarm of seismic activity is concentrated in areas known for volcanic activity, raising concerns about potential eruptions. The earthquakes are part of a natural process in Iceland, where tectonic movements frequently lead to such occurrences. Scientists are closely monitoring the situation to assess any changes in volcanic activity that might pose risks to the local population and infrastructure. The ongoing seismic events highlight the dynamic nature of Iceland's geology, which is characterized by frequent volcanic and earthquake activity.

Archaeological Discoveries Highlight Natural Disasters' Role in Shaping Civilizations

Archaeological Discoveries Highlight Natural Disasters' Role in Shaping Civilizations

Recent archaeological research has shed light on how natural disasters have historically influenced the rise and fall of civilizations. A study led by Briant García from Peru’s Instituto Geológico Minero y Metalúrgico, published in Geoarchaeology, reveals that the ancient city of Pikillaqta in southern Peru was likely abandoned due to two powerful earthquakes and a subsequent landslide around AD900. This discovery challenges previous theories that attributed the city's decline to war, disease, or water scarcity. Similarly, research on the ancient city of Teotihuacan in Mexico suggests that repeated 'megathrust' earthquakes contributed to its decline after AD550. These findings underscore the significant impact of natural events on historical societies, a factor often overlooked in favor of human-centric explanations.

The Surprising Science Behind Great Sand Dunes National Park

The Surprising Science Behind Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a geological wonder, showcasing the intricate processes that have shaped its landscape over millions...

University of Oslo Study Reveals Uneven Cooling of Earth's Hemispheres Over 400 Million Years

University of Oslo Study Reveals Uneven Cooling of Earth's Hemispheres Over 400 Million Years

A recent study conducted by scientists from the University of Oslo, published in Geophysical Research Letters, has revealed that Earth's hemispheres have been cooling at different rates over the past 400 million years. The research utilized computer models to reconstruct Earth's thermal history, dividing the planet into the African and Pacific hemispheres. The study found that the Pacific hemisphere has cooled approximately 50 Kelvin more than the African hemisphere. This cooling disparity is attributed to the mechanics of plate tectonics and the efficiency of heat loss through the oceanic lithosphere. The Pacific Ocean, with its extensive seafloor, acts as a significant dissipator of Earth's internal heat, while continental landmasses insulate and trap heat. The study also noted that despite the Pacific hemisphere's greater cooling, it has exhibited higher plate velocities, suggesting a complex interplay of geological factors.

Earthquake Swarm Continues in Iceland's Volcanic Zones, Raising Concerns

Earthquake Swarm Continues in Iceland's Volcanic Zones, Raising Concerns

Iceland is experiencing a series of earthquakes in its geologically active regions, particularly the Reykjanes Ridge and the Bárðarbunga volcanic system. The swarm began on Saturday, with several tremors above magnitude 2.0 recorded. The strongest earthquake measured magnitude 3.0. These swarms are common in Iceland due to the movement of tectonic plates along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which frequently generates seismic activity.

University of Melbourne Research Unveils Formation Process of Australia's Twelve Apostles

University of Melbourne Research Unveils Formation Process of Australia's Twelve Apostles

Research conducted by the University of Melbourne has provided new insights into the formation of the Twelve Apostles, a series of limestone rock formations along Australia's southern coast. The study, led by Associate Professor Stephen Gallagher, reveals that tectonic plate movements over millions of years lifted the limestone landmass from the sea. This geological activity, followed by 20,000 years of erosion from wind and waves, shaped the Twelve Apostles into their current form. The research, published in the Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, highlights the Apostles as a significant record of ancient climates and sea levels. The study also corrected previous estimates of the Apostles' age, dating them between 8.6 to 14 million years old, rather than the earlier believed range of seven to fifteen million years.

Ongoing Earthquake Swarm in Iceland's Volcanic Zones Continues

Ongoing Earthquake Swarm in Iceland's Volcanic Zones Continues

Iceland is experiencing an ongoing earthquake swarm in two of its most geologically active areas: the Reykjanes Ridge and the Bárðarbunga volcanic system. The seismic activity began on Saturday and has continued with multiple tremors, including several above magnitude 2.0. The strongest recorded tremor reached a magnitude of 3.0 near Geirfugladrang. These swarms are typical for Iceland's geology, as the region lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where tectonic plates move apart, causing frequent seismic activity.

Scientists Uncover Geological History of Australia's Twelve Apostles

Scientists Uncover Geological History of Australia's Twelve Apostles

Researchers from the University of Melbourne have unveiled new insights into the formation of the Twelve Apostles, a series of limestone rock formations along Australia's southern coast. The study, published in the Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, reveals that tectonic plate movements over millions of years lifted the limestone landmass from the sea. This geological activity, followed by 20,000 years of erosion from wind and waves, shaped the Twelve Apostles into their current form. The research utilized photographic and digital imagery, field mapping, and stratigraphic and microfossil analyses to date the formations between 8.6 and 14 million years old, younger than previously thought. The study also highlights the Apostles as a well-preserved record of ancient climates and sea levels, offering a 'window back in time' to understand past and future climate conditions.

Earthquake Swarm Persists in Iceland's Volcanic Zones

Earthquake Swarm Persists in Iceland's Volcanic Zones

Iceland is currently experiencing an ongoing earthquake swarm in two of its most geologically active regions: the Reykjanes Ridge and the BÃ¡rÃ°arbunga volcanic system. This activity began on Saturday and has continued overnight, with several tremors recorded above magnitude 2.0. The strongest earthquake measured a magnitude of 3.0, located approximately 1.8 kilometers northwest of Geirfugladrang, a group of sea stacks off Iceland's southwest coast. These swarms are a common occurrence in Iceland due to its position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are gradually moving apart, leading to frequent seismic activity. The Reykjanes Peninsula has seen repeated periods of geological unrest, including volcanic eruptions, while BÃ¡rÃ°arbunga, beneath the VatnajÃ¶kull glacier, is one of Iceland's largest and most active volcanic systems.