Ancient Stone Points Unearthed in Ethiopia
Groundbreaking discovery in Ethiopia as stone points dating back 74,000 years shed light on ancient human adaptability. The archaeological site has yielded evidence of hunter-gatherer resourcefulness and ability to thrive in changing circumstances. The findings offer valuable insights into human migration and settlement, showcasing the resilience and ingenuity of our ancestors.
Giant Volcano and Possible Glacier Ice Discovered on Mars
A giant volcano and possible buried glacier ice have been discovered in the eastern part of Mars’ Tharsis volcanic province, near the planet’s equator. This groundbreaking announcement was made at the 55th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in Texas, revealing that the giant volcano, provisionally designated “Noctis volcano,” had been hiding in plain sight for decades. The discovery of this giant volcano and potential glacier ice points to an exciting new location to study Mars’ geologic evolution through time and search for signs of life. The structure’s gigantic size and complex modification history indicate that it has been active for a very long time, from ancient through recent times. This finding opens up new possibilities for future exploration and research on Mars.
NASA’s Plans for the Next Supervolcano
NASA has proposed plans to potentially shut down a supervolcano if it shows signs of an imminent eruption. New research from NASA and Columbia University suggests that the most powerful scale of eruption would likely not cause global devastation, despite the massive amount of material it would emit into the atmosphere. The study’s lead author, Zachary McGraw, explains that the relatively modest temperature changes found in the research could explain why no single super-eruption has produced evidence of global-scale catastrophe for humans or ecosystems.
Researchers Discover Largest Volcanic Eruption in Recorded History
The largest volcanic eruption in recorded history occurred 7300 years ago off the southern coast of Japan, as a team of researchers has recently discovered. The Kikai-Akahoya eruption, originating from a submerged caldera near the Japanese island of Kyushu, ejected an astonishing amount of material, estimated at around 70 cubic kilometers, significantly surpassing the eruption of Mount Tambora in 1815. Now, Nobukazu Seama and his team from Kobe University in Japan have conducted a seismic survey to map the underwater region around the caldera, situated approximately 200 meters below the surface. Their findings have revealed that the Kikai-Akahoya eruption released over 300 cubic kilometers of material, equivalent to twice the volume of water in Lake Tahoe, a substantial increase from previous estimates. The researchers’ efforts have provided valuable insights into the magnitude of the Kikai-Akahoya eruption, shedding light on its profound impact on the surrounding environment and human populations.
Clarkia Middle Miocene Fossil Site: A Key to Understanding Life Beyond Earth
Researchers have been studying the Clarkia Middle Miocene Fossil Site in Idaho, which has provided valuable insights into ancient environmental conditions and the potential for life on Mars. The well-preserved fossils dating back over 11 million years have become a focal point for studying the potential for life on other planets, particularly Mars. The site’s sediments have been used to study biomarkers, offering valuable information about Earth’s history and ancient environmental conditions on Mars. The research conducted at the site represents a significant step forward in our understanding of potential life beyond Earth, paving the way for new insights into the search for extraterrestrial life.
New Maps Reveal Lake Rotorua’s Hidden Depths And Hydrothermal Systems
New maps of Lake Rotorua’s bathymetry reveal hidden depths, pockmarks, and evidence of an ancient river, providing insight into the region’s geological history. The maps also show an active underwater hydrothermal system near Sulphur Point, shedding light on the lake’s ecosystem and geothermal system. GNS scientists have conducted surveys to better understand the lake’s sublacustrine hydrothermal system, empowering them to model the intricate workings of the Rotorua geothermal system.
Mars May Have Experienced Precursor to Plate Tectonics, Study Suggests
Recent study suggests Mars may have experienced precursor to plate tectonics, indicated by pervasive volcanoes and distinct rock types. Researchers focused on Eridania Basins in Mars’ southern hemisphere, identifying numerous volcanic features and high felsic materials. Findings offer valuable insights into early geological processes on Mars and provide comparative perspective on planetary evolution.
Icelandair Group expects cargo operation to return to profit in 2022
Icelandair Group is implementing measures to turn around its cargo division after a decrease in profitability. The company is returning a Boeing 757 freighter to its lessor, dry-leasing a 767 freighter, and making changes to its flight schedule and network.
Research Suggests Global Decrease in Carbon Dioxide Emissions Caused Earth’s Longest Ice Age
Recent research from the University of Sydney suggests that Earth’s longest ice age, known as Snowball Earth, may have been caused by a global decrease in carbon dioxide emissions. The study sheds light on the significant influence of geological processes on Earth’s historical climate patterns and offers insights into the impact of human activities on carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.
Volcanic Lightning’s Role in Kickstarting Life on Earth
Groundbreaking discovery suggests volcanic lightning may have played a vital role in kickstarting life on Earth. Study presents compelling evidence that ancient volcanic eruptions could have fixed substantial amounts of atmospheric nitrogen, laying the foundation for the emergence of life on our planet. Research delves into the intriguing question of how bacteria and subsequent life forms came into existence, uncovering evidence suggesting that nitrogen in the atmosphere might have been fixed by volcanic lightning interacting with ash, providing a potential mechanism for the creation of amino acids.