All posts tagged: Geology

Silent Chernobyl Incident of Aral Sea Caused Earth’s Mantle to Bulge the Land, Study Finds

Silent Chernobyl Incident of Aral Sea Caused Earth’s Mantle to Bulge the Land, Study Finds

Published by Webster

Scientists have found that the land underneath the Aral Sea in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan is rising, and this will continue for years and decades. The bulging of the land is now being attributed to the sudden drying up of the water body, which almost entirely vanished in just 80 years. The desiccation, which occurred due to heavy drought and diversion of the two connected rivers, is known as ‘Silent Chernobyl’ due to the profound damage caused to the region’s environment. Before drying up, the Aral Sea used to be the world’s fourth-largest lake. Study by the Scientists Around 80 years ago, the Aral Sea lost 1.1 billion tons of water, as per the research published on 7 April in the Nature Geoscience journal. Simon Lamb, an Assistant Professor at Victoria University, mentioned in an article published alongside the study that the loss was so huge that it led the Earth’s crust to rebound, like a compressed spring being released. Notably, Lamb was not a participant in the study. Lamb also wrote that it was anticipated …

New Seismic Data Challenges Earth’s Inner Core Structure, Reveals Surprising Findings

New Seismic Data Challenges Earth’s Inner Core Structure, Reveals Surprising Findings

Published by Webster

New research suggests that Earth’s inner core may not be as solid as previously believed. Scientists studying seismic waveforms have discovered structural changes in the core, which challenge long-held assumptions about its composition. This discovery emerged while researchers were examining the inner core’s slowing rotation. The seismic data, gathered from multiple earthquakes over three decades, indicated unexpected wave behaviors. Experts believe these findings could provide new insights into Earth’s thermal and magnetic fields, as well as subtle variations in the planet’s rotation. Seismic Data Reveals Core’s Malleability According to the study published in Nature Geoscience on February 10, researchers from the University of Southern California (USC) analysed seismic data from 121 earthquakes that occurred between 1991 and 2024. These earthquakes were recorded across 42 locations near the South Sandwich Islands. While initially focused on the core’s rotational slowdown, the team observed anomalies in the waveforms, prompting further investigation. The research led them to conclude that the inner core might exhibit more movement and structural variation than previously understood. Expert Insights on Core Behavior John Vidale, …

Volcanic Activity in Yellowstone Is Shifting in the Northeast Direction, Study Finds

Volcanic Activity in Yellowstone Is Shifting in the Northeast Direction, Study Finds

Published by Webster

Recent research has uncovered evidence suggesting a northeastward shift in volcanic activity within the Yellowstone Caldera, located in Yellowstone National Park in the US. Known as one of the largest super-volcanoes on Earth, Yellowstone’s geological activity has long been studied due to its potential to cause significant environmental impacts. The findings indicate possible changes in magma dynamics beneath the caldera, which may help scientists better predict future activity and understand the complexities of the volcanic system. Research Methodology and Key Findings According to a study published in the Nature journal, geologists from the US Geological Survey, Oregon State University, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison utilised magnetotelluric surveys to investigate the structure beneath the caldera. This method measures electromagnetic properties and infers the conductivity of Earth’s crust, providing insights into magma storage and movement. The researchers identified seven distinct magma reservoirs at depths ranging from 4 to 47 kilometres, with interconnected systems feeding into one another. As reported by Phys.org, the study highlighted the northeast region as the most active, where reservoirs contained basaltic magma at …

NASA’s Mars Perseverance Rover Uncovers Distinct Red Rocks with Green Spots at ‘Serpentine Rapids’

NASA’s Mars Perseverance Rover Uncovers Distinct Red Rocks with Green Spots at ‘Serpentine Rapids’

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NASA’s Mars Perseverance rover has provided a nighttime image of the Malgosa Crest abrasion patch located at “Serpentine Rapids.” This image was captured using the SHERLOC WATSON camera on the rover’s robotic arm. The abrasion patch, measuring 5 centimetres in diameter, features a notable green spot, approximately 2 millimetres wide. The image was taken on August 19, 2024, during the 1,243rd Martian day of the Mars 2020 mission. Continuing the Journey of Discovery Following its sampling of the “leopard spots” at “Bright Angel,” Perseverance continued its exploration of this fascinating region. Approximately 20 sols later, after navigating south from Bright Angel across Neretva Vallis, the rover encountered striking red rocks at Serpentine Rapids. Then there it created an abrasion patch in a red rock formation known as “Wallace Butte.” This patch revealed an array of colours, including white, black and green hues. Understanding the Geological Significance The discovery of green spots surprised the rover team. These spots, consisting of dark cores surrounded by fuzzy, light green rims, present a unique geological feature. On Earth, red …

Mount Everest’s Height Linked to Ancient River Changes from 89,000 Years Ago

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A fascinating study suggests that Mount Everest, standing at 29,031.69 feet (8,848.86 m), may be taller than expected due to an ancient river “capture” event. This geological phenomenon occurred approximately 89,000 years ago and involved a river located around 46 miles (75 kilometres) from the mountain. Researchers propose that the erosion resulting from this event caused significant landmass loss, enabling Everest to rise by as much as 164 feet (50 metres). According to Adam Smith, a researcher in Earth Sciences at University College London, this height discrepancy indicates that something unusual is happening within the Himalayan region. The Mystery of the Arun River Mount Everest’s height surpasses that of its nearest rival, K2, by approximately 820 feet (250 metres). The difference in height is intriguing, leading scientists to investigate the potential influence of the surrounding river systems on the mountain’s elevation. One notable river, the Arun, flows in an atypical L-shaped pattern, diverging from the usual straight-flowing rivers. Smith highlights that this strange configuration suggests that the Arun River may have been altered through a …

ACB arrests former Mines and Geology director Venkata Reddy

Published by Parlour News

V.G. Venkata Reddy | Photo Credit: File Photo The Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested former Mines and Geology Director V. G. Venkata Reddy. Mr. Reddy was arrested under Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, and the Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Act, 1957. He was accused of colluding with some private mining companies and causing a loss of about ₹2,566 crore to the government. Mr. Venkata Reddy was arrested in Shamshabad mandal of Telangana on Thursday. He was produced in the ACB Special Court in Vijayawada on Friday, which remanded him in judicial custody till October 10, said ACB officials in a release. Published – September 28, 2024 04:05 am IST Source link