Geology News

Oregon Geology Field Trip Guides

Geology.com — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:30:09 +0000

The Fall 2009 issue of Oregon Geology features field trip guides and information about the new state geologic map… * Field trip guide to the middle Eocene Wildcat Mountain caldera, Ochoco National Forest, Crook County, Oregon * Field trip guide to the Oligocene Crooked River caldera: Central Oregon’s supervolcano, Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties, Oregon * Field trip [...]

Future Copper Prices and Supply Situation

Geology.com — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:11:38 +0000

“A financial analysis of the global copper market predicts uncertainty in the short term but the possibility of “severe shortages and much higher prices” in the longer term.” Quoted from the Arizona Geology Blog.

Cleaning the North Pacific Gyre

Geology.com/news — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:05:29 +0000

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch – a mass of trash and debris the size of Texas – has been growing in the North Pacific Gyre. Project Kaisei is an endeavor that aims to retrieve the garbage and somehow use it as fuel. This article includes a video and photo slideshow.

Mechanical Fish Study Water Conditions

Geology.com/news — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:35:59 +0000

Faculty at Michigan State University have been creating a new type of robot to study water conditions: mechanical fish. The fish will be able to measure things like water temperature, oxygen levels, contaminants, and more.

National Geothermal Data System

Geology.com — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:06:08 +0000

The Arizona Geological Survey has received a $15.7 million grant that will enable them to lead the development of a national geothermal data system. Forty state geological surveys will be contributing state-specific geothermal data. Press release for this event.

Geothermal Well Erupts into a Geyser

Geology.com — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:56:57 +0000

A German news site reports on a geothermal contractor drilling a well that would be used for a home heating system. At a depth of 130 meters the well erupted into a geyser spraying 6000 liters of water per minute.

Lava Flows of the Kilauea East Rift Zone

Geology.com — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:48:13 +0000

NASA’s Earth Observatory has released a satellite image of lava flows in Kilauea Volcano’s East Rift Zone. The image shows many generations of flows and the trace of craters that mark the center of the rift zone.

Dust Plumes Over the Mediterranean Sea

Geology.com — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:05:16 +0000

NASA’s Aqua Satellite captured this spectacular image of dust plumes streaming from the desert of Egypt out over the Mediterranean Sea on October 4, 2009.

The Next Satellite Collision?

Geology.com — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:44:28 +0000

February’s collision between a dead Russian military satellite and a working U.S. commercial satellite has many people thinking about the probability of losing an important data stream. The Air Force is tracking 1300 government, military and commercial satellites in Earth orbit to identify the next potential collision.

Landslide at Pigeon Gorge, North Carolina

Geology.com — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:37:21 +0000

Dave Petley has photos and a description of a landslide near Pigeon Gorge, North Carolina that blocked Interstate 40.

Warren Buffett Bets on Coal

Geology.com — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:33:15 +0000

Warren Buffett (some think that he is an investment expert) is making large investments in coal-related companies. His Berkshire Hathaway fund acquired Burlington Northern Santa Fe, who gets 25% of their earnings from hauling coal, and made large investments in coal fired power companies.

Simulation: Earthquake Collapse of the Alaskan Way Viaduct

Geology.com — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:30:42 +0000

“This visualization shows the collapse of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, part of Washington’s State Route 99, and adjacent seawall due to a seismic event. The simulated earthquake is similar to the 2001 Nisqually earthquake but lasts longer, is closer to Seattle, or has a slightly greater magnitude.” Quoted from the Washington State Department of [...]

Exploring Antarctic Phytoplankton

Geology.com — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:42:31 +0000

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution has an interesting video/slideshow that features research being done to understand phytoplankton of the Antarctic. Related: Satellite Images of Marine Phytoplankton Blooms.

Modern Rock Tumbling

Geology.com — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:28:15 +0000

If you enjoy rock tumbling a new book by Steve Hart titled “Modern Rock Tumbling” gives a great introduction to the hobby. It has good sections on vibratory tumblers and ceramic media that have not been well-covered in previous books about the subject. Related: Guide to Rock Tumbling

Video: Horizontal Drilling and Hydraulic Fracturing

Geology.com — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:15:01 +0000

The American Petroleum Institute has a video that explains the horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing processes. It explains the drilling, fracturing, equipment, materials and environmental concerns. This is an excellent video from an authoritative source.

November & December Mineral Shows

Geology.com — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:03:40 +0000

There are lots of mineral shows over the next two months in all parts of the country. The-Vug.com has a comprehensive list of shows. There’s probably at least one near you.

Science Outside the Classroom

Geology.com/news — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:35:05 +0000

The National Academies have prepared a report on science activities outside the classroom. Things like museums, parks, and television programs have shown to greatly bolster people’s interest in science. The report is available as a hardcover book, or can be read online for free.

New Discoveries on Planet Mercury

Geology.com/news — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:05:03 +0000

The MESSENGER spacecraft has completed its last flyby of Mercury, giving astronomers fresh data and a 98% complete map of the planet’s surface. This article has photos, graphs, and illustrations to accompany the findings.

Economic Impact of the Oil and Gas Industry

Geology.com — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:41:03 +0000

The American Petroleum Institute and PriceWaterhouseCoopers have prepared a report titled: “The Economic Impacts of the Oil and Natural Gas Industry on the U.S. Economy: Employment, Labor Income and Value Added”.

Shale Plays: Transforming Energy Markets

Geology.com — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:48:31 +0000

The Wall Street Journal has an article titled: “America’s Natural Gas Revolution: A ’shale gale’ of unconventional and abundant U.S. gas is transforming the energy market.”