Geology News

Frictional Behavior of San Andreas Fault Materials

Geology.com — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:34:20 +0000

Researchers with the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth project are testing the frictional behavior of materials that are known to be in contact along the fault to determine their role in the earthquake mechanics of the fault zone.

Athabasca Oil Sands

Geology.com — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:59:31 +0000

In the ranking of the world’s proven oil reserves, Canada stands behind only Saudi Arabia. Canada possesses an estimated 178.6 billion barrels of crude oil accessible using current technology. Of this reserve, 174 billion barrels are in Alberta’s Athabasca oil sand fields.

Will The Arctic Be a Carbon Sink or Source?

Geology.com — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:15:35 +0000

“The arctic could potentially alter the Earth’s climate by becoming a possible source of global atmospheric carbon dioxide. The arctic now traps or absorbs up to 25 percent of this gas but climate change could alter that amount.” Quoted from the USGS press release.

Wind Energy vs. Bats and Birds

Geology.com — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:02:01 +0000

One of the objections to wind energy is the impact that it might have on local bat and bird populations. USGS bat specialist, Dr. Paul Cryan, is investigating this issue and provides a report in a USGS podcast.

The Value of Coral Reefs

Geology.com/news — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:00:43 +0000

Coral reefs are a valuable part of aquatic ecosystems. They also happen to be quite valuable to the global economy. This article discusses the relative “price” of preserving environments like these.

Gold Price Breaks Record: $1101.90

Geology.com — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:19:31 +0000

On Friday, the price of gold rose to $1,101.90, an all-time record high. Some investors speculate that foreign banks may be purchasing gold to reduce their risk of holding US dollars.

Hurricane Ida Path Map

Geology.com — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:49:05 +0000

Hurricane Ida is moving north through the Gulf of Mexico and a hurricane watch has been issued for Gulf coast areas between Grand Isle, Louisiana and Mexico Beach, Florida. The National Hurricane Information Center will be updating maps of the storm’s projected path on their website.

Oregon Geology Field Trip Guides

Geology.com — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:30:09 +0000

The Fall 2009 issue of Oregon Geology features field trip guides and information about the new state geologic map… * Field trip guide to the middle Eocene Wildcat Mountain caldera, Ochoco National Forest, Crook County, Oregon * Field trip guide to the Oligocene Crooked River caldera: Central Oregon’s supervolcano, Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties, Oregon * Field trip [...]

Future Copper Prices and Supply Situation

Geology.com — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:11:38 +0000

“A financial analysis of the global copper market predicts uncertainty in the short term but the possibility of “severe shortages and much higher prices” in the longer term.” Quoted from the Arizona Geology Blog.

Cleaning the North Pacific Gyre

Geology.com/news — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:05:29 +0000

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch – a mass of trash and debris the size of Texas – has been growing in the North Pacific Gyre. Project Kaisei is an endeavor that aims to retrieve the garbage and somehow use it as fuel. This article includes a video and photo slideshow.

Mechanical Fish Study Water Conditions

Geology.com/news — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:35:59 +0000

Faculty at Michigan State University have been creating a new type of robot to study water conditions: mechanical fish. The fish will be able to measure things like water temperature, oxygen levels, contaminants, and more.

National Geothermal Data System

Geology.com — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:06:08 +0000

The Arizona Geological Survey has received a $15.7 million grant that will enable them to lead the development of a national geothermal data system. Forty state geological surveys will be contributing state-specific geothermal data. Press release for this event.

Geothermal Well Erupts into a Geyser

Geology.com — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:56:57 +0000

A German news site reports on a geothermal contractor drilling a well that would be used for a home heating system. At a depth of 130 meters the well erupted into a geyser spraying 6000 liters of water per minute.

Lava Flows of the Kilauea East Rift Zone

Geology.com — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:48:13 +0000

NASA’s Earth Observatory has released a satellite image of lava flows in Kilauea Volcano’s East Rift Zone. The image shows many generations of flows and the trace of craters that mark the center of the rift zone.

Dust Plumes Over the Mediterranean Sea

Geology.com — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:05:16 +0000

NASA’s Aqua Satellite captured this spectacular image of dust plumes streaming from the desert of Egypt out over the Mediterranean Sea on October 4, 2009.

The Next Satellite Collision?

Geology.com — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:44:28 +0000

February’s collision between a dead Russian military satellite and a working U.S. commercial satellite has many people thinking about the probability of losing an important data stream. The Air Force is tracking 1300 government, military and commercial satellites in Earth orbit to identify the next potential collision.

Landslide at Pigeon Gorge, North Carolina

Geology.com — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:37:21 +0000

Dave Petley has photos and a description of a landslide near Pigeon Gorge, North Carolina that blocked Interstate 40.

Warren Buffett Bets on Coal

Geology.com — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:33:15 +0000

Warren Buffett (some think that he is an investment expert) is making large investments in coal-related companies. His Berkshire Hathaway fund acquired Burlington Northern Santa Fe, who gets 25% of their earnings from hauling coal, and made large investments in coal fired power companies.

Simulation: Earthquake Collapse of the Alaskan Way Viaduct

Geology.com — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:30:42 +0000

“This visualization shows the collapse of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, part of Washington’s State Route 99, and adjacent seawall due to a seismic event. The simulated earthquake is similar to the 2001 Nisqually earthquake but lasts longer, is closer to Seattle, or has a slightly greater magnitude.” Quoted from the Washington State Department of [...]

Exploring Antarctic Phytoplankton

Geology.com — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:42:31 +0000

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution has an interesting video/slideshow that features research being done to understand phytoplankton of the Antarctic. Related: Satellite Images of Marine Phytoplankton Blooms.