Ancient tectonic plate discovered beneath Canada, geologists claim

The face of the Earth has changed drastically over its life, with plates shifting and sinking. Now, geologists at the University of Houston claim to have found the remains of an ancient tectonic plate beneath Canada that was pushed under the surface te… Continue reading Ancient tectonic plate discovered beneath Canada, geologists claim

Scientists revive 100-million-year old microbes from deep underground

In what sounds like the opening scenes of a sci-fi disaster movie, scientists have managed to revive microorganisms that have laid dormant for over 100 million years. These microbes were discovered deep beneath the seafloor, where they’ve been slumberi… Continue reading Scientists revive 100-million-year old microbes from deep underground

Outwardly predictable volcanoes may harbor an explosive secret

Scientists working with shield volcanoes in the Galapagos Archipelago have found evidence to suggest that volcanoes which ordinarily produce slow-moving rivers of fire have the potential to create far more explosive and dangerous eruptions. Gaining a g… Continue reading Outwardly predictable volcanoes may harbor an explosive secret

Ancient sunken continent of Zealandia laid bare in new interactive maps

Newly released maps of Zealandia, a massive sunken landmass many have argued should be classified as Earth’s eighth continent, are revealing the topography of this underwater land in unprecedented detail. The new trove of data comes from New Zealand re… Continue reading Ancient sunken continent of Zealandia laid bare in new interactive maps

Crown Jewels and Hope diamonds originated “super deep” in the Earth

There’s plenty of mystique surrounding diamonds, and while much of it is manufactured (thanks, De Beers), some earn it. Researchers have now found evidence that some of the world’s most impressive gems, such as the Hope Diamond, originated much deeper … Continue reading Crown Jewels and Hope diamonds originated “super deep” in the Earth

Study suggests Yellowstone supervolcano may be “calming down”

Ranking right up there in the Things People Worry About is the potential for a cataclysmic super-eruption of the Yellowstone hotspot. According to a new study, however, the volcanic region may currently be waning.Continue ReadingCategory: ScienceTags: … Continue reading Study suggests Yellowstone supervolcano may be “calming down”

Yale study suggests tectonic plates formed very early in Earth’s history

With tectonic plates bumping and grinding against each other, Earth is a pretty active planet. But when did this activity begin? A new study from Yale University claims to have found evidence that plate tectonics started about a billion years earlier t… Continue reading Yale study suggests tectonic plates formed very early in Earth’s history

Yale study suggests tectonic plates formed very early in Earth’s history

With tectonic plates bumping and grinding against each other, Earth is a pretty active planet. But when did this activity begin? A new study from Yale University claims to have found evidence that plate tectonics started about a billion years earlier t… Continue reading Yale study suggests tectonic plates formed very early in Earth’s history

Dinosaurs saw shorter days and longer years, says fossil shell study

Time isn’t as constant as we might think. The Earth’s rotation is changing, which affects how many hours are in a day and how many days in a year. Now palaeontologists have managed to precisely measure how long days and years were back in the age of th… Continue reading Dinosaurs saw shorter days and longer years, says fossil shell study