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Geosciences

All articles tagged with #geosciences

science2 years ago•0 min saved

Synchronized Growth: Earth's Crust and Mantle Formed Gradually

A new study led by Penn State researchers challenges the prevailing theory that the Earth's crust formed rapidly 3 billion years ago and then slowed down its growth. The study suggests that the crust and mantle layers evolved gradually in sync for billions of years, which could help solve a fundamental mystery about our planet and provide insights into the formation of other planets. The existing theory of a sudden shift to tectonic plates 3 billion years ago is contradicted by this research.

via Interesting Engineering|

#earths-crust #geosciences #mantle

earth-science2 years ago•3 min saved

Geoscientists Discover Gradual Formation of Earth's Crust and Tectonic Plates

Research led by geoscientists at Penn State suggests that the Earth's crust underwent a slow process of reworking over billions of years, contradicting existing theories of rapid tectonic plate formation. By analyzing over 600,000 rock samples, researchers developed a unique method to determine how igneous rocks were reformed and recalibrated the crustal growth curve. The study indicates a correlation between the Earth's crust and the underlying mantle, providing insights into the evolution of planets and potentially informing investigations of other celestial bodies like Venus.

via Phys.org|

#crustal-growth #earth-science #earths-crust

science2 years ago•1 min saved

Lightning strike leads to groundbreaking discovery of new phosphorus material.

A professor at the University of South Florida has discovered a new phosphorus material that has never been seen before on Earth. The material was found in a dirt sample that was struck by lightning in New Port Richey. The discovery was made after the professor analyzed a fulgurite, which is formed when lightning strikes the ground. While the material is unlikely to be used for fertilizer, further investigation will be conducted to see if it can be officially declared a mineral. The discovery highlights the importance of understanding the energy of lightning and the potential danger it poses.

via WFLA|

#fulgurites #geosciences #lightning

science2 years ago•7 min saved

The Truth About the Sixth Mass Extinction.

Alisa Bokulich, a philosopher of science, founded the Phi-Geo Group, a team of faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates dedicated to exploring research in the philosophy of geosciences. Their forthcoming paper in the British Journal for the Philosophy of Science found that, despite the rapid loss of habitat and multiple species, the numbers don't quite add up enough to say we're in the midst of a mass extinction. The researchers note that to adequately address our biological and environmental crises, increased collaboration between conservation biologists and paleontologists will be needed.

via Phys.org|

#biodiversity #collaboration #geosciences