Geology

A team of scientists has identified a long-hidden underground formation beneath the United States dating back to the Jurassic period. The structure, described as a lost basement, may intensify the effects of future solar storms on the power grid.

May 02, 2026 由 AI 报道

A new study indicates that the Cascadia subduction zone and the northern San Andreas fault may trigger earthquakes in close succession, potentially amplifying disaster risks along the U.S. West Coast. Researchers identified evidence of such synchronization in ocean floor sediment cores spanning 3,100 years. This connection could affect cities from San Francisco to Vancouver simultaneously.

Researchers at Curtin University have developed a technique using krypton gas in microscopic zircon crystals to track the history of Earth's landscapes over millions of years. The method, which relies on cosmic rays striking surface minerals, reveals how erosion and sediment movement have shaped terrains in response to climate and tectonic changes. This approach could also aid in locating mineral deposits in Australia.

March 11, 2026 由 AI 报道

New research has resolved a long-standing debate, confirming that the Silverpit Crater beneath the North Sea resulted from an asteroid strike about 43 to 46 million years ago. The impact generated a tsunami over 100 meters high. Led by Dr. Uisdean Nicholson of Heriot-Watt University, the study used seismic imaging and shocked minerals to provide definitive evidence.

Simulations indicate that two massive hot rock blobs near Earth's core have played a role in generating and shaping its magnetic field, making it irregular over millions of years. Researchers analyzed ancient volcanic rocks and ran models to reach this conclusion. The findings suggest these blobs created uneven heat flow that affected the field's symmetry.

February 11, 2026 由 AI 报道

A new analysis of sediment cores from a Nepali lake reveals that major earthquakes in the central Himalayas occur randomly rather than at regular intervals, challenging fears of an imminent massive quake. Researchers identified at least 50 events of magnitude 6.5 or larger over the past 6,000 years, including eight since 1505. This finding suggests the region has experienced more seismic activity than previously thought.