Earth & Planetary Sciences News
Report outlines plans for major research effort on subduction zone geologic hazards
November 7, 2022
An ambitious interdisciplinary initiative aims to advance understanding of the processes that trigger earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, and volcanic eruptions where tectonic plates converge.
Research on shear strength of rock has implications for carbon sequestration
October 5, 2022
With a $1.1 million grant from the Department of Energy, seismologist Emily Brodsky will address seismic challenges involved in carbon sequestration, geothermal energy, and other areas.
Frontier Fellows: Peter Nguyen
September 27, 2022
The Earth Futures Institute’s Frontier Fellows program offers undergraduate research opportunities and funding at UC Santa Cruz. UCSC student Peter Nguyen studies a federally listed endangered flowering plant—Lupinus nipomensis.
Saturn’s rings and tilt could be the product of an ancient, missing moon
September 16, 2022
A “grazing encounter” may have smashed the moon to bits to form Saturn’s rings, a new study suggests.
Record of Antarctic ice sheet response to climate cycles found in rock samples
September 15, 2022
The effects of global climate cycles on Southern Ocean temperatures drove cycles of melting and freezing in the East Antarctic Ice Sheet every few thousand years, according to a new study.
Missing carbon monoxide in planetary disks was hiding in the ice
August 22, 2022
In planetary disks, carbon monoxide is lurking in large chunks of ice, solving the decade-old question, ‘Where is the CO?’
Seismologist Emily Brodsky awarded Nemmers Prize in Earth Sciences
July 13, 2022
Professor Emily Brodsky has received the 2022 Nemmers Prize in Earth Sciences, awarded by Northwestern University for achievement and work of lasting significance in the field of Earth sciences.
Methane could be the first detectable indication of life beyond Earth
March 28, 2022
A new study assesses the planetary context in which the detection of methane in an exoplanet’s atmosphere could be considered a compelling sign of life.
Seed funding grants for early-stage research, creative projects given to 19 awardees
March 28, 2022
The UCSC Office of Research has awarded funds this month to 19 projects through its inaugural Seed Funding for Early Stage Initiatives program
Effects of ancient carbon releases suggest possible scenarios for future climate
March 16, 2022
New findings reveal a precursor event before the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, giving scientists a fresh perspective on future global climate scenarios.
California Sea Grant funds graduate research fellows at UCSC
March 10, 2022
California Sea Grant has awarded funding to four UC Santa Cruz graduate students for marine science research projects that address the agency’s priority themes of resilient coastal communities and economies, sustainable fisheries, and healthy coastal ecosystems.
A slow-motion section of the San Andreas Fault may not be so harmless after all
February 28, 2022
A study of rocks drilled from nearly 2 miles under the surface suggests that the central section of the San Andreas fault has hosted many major earthquakes, including some that could have been fairly recent.
