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Earth Science

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 18-Jun-2026 14:16 ET (18-Jun-2026 18:16 GMT/UTC)

Deep earthquakes triggered by the olivine-poirierite transition

Ehime University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Seismicity decreases with depth, though it turns to increase in the mantle transition zone. It has been believed that pressure-induced phase transitions of olivine are the cause of high seismicity in the mantle transition zone. We experimentally showed that a diffusionless phase transition of olivine to poirierite triggers faulting. Our findings provide a natural explanation for the cause of high seismicity in the strongly deformed areas of ‘cold’ deep subducted slabs.

Journal: Science Advances
Funder: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Fukada grant-in-aid, Seko Memorial Foundation

Hurricane-resilient coastal forests in the Northeastern U.S. may be nearing their limits

William Paterson University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A newly published research paper led by William Paterson University environmental science professor Nicole Davi (Wayne, NJ, US) finds that coastal forests demonstrate incredible resiliency following major hurricane events, but these forests are increasingly at risk from storm damage and surges and continued sea-level rise.

Journal: Global and Planetary Change
Funder: New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium

Paper connecting volcanic eruptions, global cooling

University of Wyoming
Peer-Reviewed Publication

By combining multi-proxy data from field and laboratory research with multiple computer modeling simulations using known and extrapolated data, the study shows a potential link between sustained, large-scale volcanism in the Altiplano-Puna volcanic complex, the largest active silicic magma system on Earth, and global climatic and ecological change.

Journal: Communications Earth & Environment

Ph.D. student makes breakthrough with potential to revolutionize materials development

University of Wyoming
Peer-Reviewed Publication

University of Wyoming researchers' methodology has, for the first time, made it possible to characterize surface local chemical ordering of high-entropy alloys.

Journal: Nature Communications
Funder: Air Force Office of Scientific Research

Drinking water near coasts is under threat worldwide

Johannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Coastal groundwater is a key source of drinking water in many regions of the world. However, it is threatened by over-abstraction and the potential for salinization. Rising sea levels are further exacerbating the situation. This is demonstrated by a recent study published in Nature Water.

Journal: Nature Water

Binghamton University graduate programs draw national attention in new ranking

Binghamton University
Grant and Award Announcement

Nearly three dozen of Binghamton University’s graduate programs are positioned prominently in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools rankings.

UAlbany atmospheric scientist contributes to international study on contrail formation

University at Albany, SUNY
Peer-Reviewed Publication

In a new study, co-authored by Fangqun Yu of UAlbany's Atmospheric Sciences Research Center, a team of researchers found that modern “lean-burn” aircraft engines still produce the conditions necessary for contrail formation.

Journal: Nature

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