Geology

A massive body of magma surged upward beneath São Jorge Island in Portugal's Azores archipelago in March 2022, triggering thousands of earthquakes before stalling underground. The event, detailed in a new study, represented a failed eruption that raised but ultimately eased fears of volcanic activity.

12 Mwezi wa tano, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

Gases from hot springs in central Zambia show signs of mantle fluids rising to the surface, suggesting an early-stage continental rift. Researchers say this could mark the start of a new tectonic plate boundary. The findings come from samples collected in the Kafue Rift.

Researchers have identified volcanic eruptions, likely in Iceland, as the source of a mysterious platinum spike in Greenland ice cores from 12,800 years ago. This finding rules out a comet or asteroid impact and occurred decades after the onset of the Younger Dryas cooling period. The study provides new insights into abrupt climate shifts.

16 Mwezi wa tatu, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

Researchers from New York University Abu Dhabi have uncovered evidence that water flowed beneath Mars' surface billions of years ago, potentially sustaining habitable conditions longer than previously thought. Analysis of ancient sand dunes in Gale Crater, studied by NASA's Curiosity rover, shows minerals left by groundwater. These findings suggest subsurface environments could have protected microbial life after surface water vanished.

A massive influx of magma beneath Santorini caused over 28,000 earthquakes in early 2025, according to a new study. Researchers used advanced AI and seafloor sensors to track the molten rock's movement. The findings reveal a previously unknown connection between Santorini and the nearby underwater volcano Kolumbo.

16 Mwezi wa pili, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

A recent analysis of clay pebbles from Mars' Jezero crater suggests the planet experienced a warm and wet climate during the Noachian epoch billions of years ago. This finding challenges the prevailing view of a cold and icy environment at that time. The evidence comes from NASA's Perseverance rover and points to conditions potentially suitable for life.