Episodios

  • Yellowstone Supervolcano Remains Stable, Geologists Uncover Mineral Wealth and Fossils Across the U.S.

    Yellowstone Supervolcano Remains Stable, Geologists Uncover Mineral Wealth and Fossils Across the U.S.
    Jul 2 2025
    Geology has been drawing significant public and scientific attention across the United States in recent days. In Yellowstone National Park, the U.S. Geological Survey reports that the famous caldera remains at normal background activity levels, with the most recent data showing 119 earthquakes recorded in May. While most of these were minor, the largest reached magnitude two point seven. Importantly, the caldera has shown a small amount of subsidence since October, supporting scientists’ views that there is no imminent threat from the supervolcano. On May thirty-first, a small eruption was observed at Black Diamond Pool in Biscuit Basin, a hydrothermal feature, and this was carefully documented by a new webcam system. The report also notes that Steamboat Geyser, one of the world’s tallest active geysers, has seen little activity since its last eruption on April fourteenth, suggesting a possible pause of several weeks before its next significant event.

    Elsewhere in the United States, the Grand Prismatic Spring, also located in Yellowstone, remains a center of research. The July update from the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory highlights the spring’s unique colors, which are produced by microbial mats and varying mineral content. The area continues to be one of the most studied geothermal regions in the country, notable for its ongoing hydrothermal and seismic activity.

    On the mineral resources front, the U.S. Geological Survey has released new assessments estimating the oil and gas potential in several U.S. basins. A recent evaluation found that the Niobrara Formation, which spans southwest Wyoming and northwest Colorado, could hold up to seven hundred three million barrels of oil and five point eight trillion cubic feet of gas. This follows broader USGS efforts to map mineral resources and analyze critical supply chains, information that is increasingly important to national economic security.

    Educational and outreach events remain popular. The Ozark Natural Science Center is hosting a hands-on geology adventure in the Bear Hollow Creek area of Arkansas on July fifth, inviting participants to search for fossils and learn about the ancient forces that shaped the region’s rugged landscape. In Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is gearing up for its annual geology festival, which attracts both experts and families interested in the park’s spectacular rock formations and geologic history.

    Internationally, all eyes are on Paris later this month as researchers gather for the Fourth International Congress on Earth and Geological Sciences. This summit will address issues ranging from climate impacts on geological records to sustainable resource management, reflecting the increasingly global and interdisciplinary nature of geology research today.
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  • Seismic Activity, Volcanic Eruptions, and Resource Assessments Dominate Recent Geological Developments Across the United States

    Seismic Activity, Volcanic Eruptions, and Resource Assessments Dominate Recent Geological Developments Across the United States
    Jun 28 2025
    Recent geology news in the United States highlights several significant developments and observations related to earthquakes, volcanic activity, landslides, and resource assessments. At Yellowstone National Park, the caldera continues to show background levels of volcanic activity. In May 2025, there were 119 located earthquakes, the largest measuring magnitude 2.7, and deformation measurements indicate a slight caldera subsidence since October of last year. Notably, on May 31, a small hydrothermal explosion occurred at Black Diamond Pool in Biscuit Basin, captured by a newly installed webcam. Meanwhile, activity at the Steamboat Geyser, known for its powerful eruptions, has slowed since its last eruption in mid-April, suggesting a potentially longer wait for its next major event (U.S. Geological Survey, June 2025).

    In Southern California, a magnitude 4.7 earthquake rattled the area, and a 4.4 magnitude quake was also felt in the Los Angeles region, underscoring the ongoing seismic hazards in this tectonically active zone. Additionally, an earthquake occurred near the U.S.-Canada border northwest of Seattle, Washington, indicating that seismic activity continues to be closely monitored across the western United States (United States Geological Survey reports).

    Landslides triggered by Hurricane Helene in the U.S. have been mapped extensively. More than 600 landslides occurred in a short period, challenging existing understanding of landslide hazards and response strategies. This historic storm caused a rapid succession of landslides, prompting ongoing research into regional ground failure and mitigation approaches to better protect populations and infrastructure (U.S. Geological Survey reports).

    Regarding natural resources, the U.S. Geological Survey released updated assessments estimating 29.4 billion barrels of oil and 391.6 trillion cubic feet of natural gas beneath U.S. public lands, showing significant increases from previous figures. Furthermore, in the Niobrara Formation across southwestern Wyoming and northwestern Colorado, assessments suggest there are 703 million barrels of oil and 5.8 trillion cubic feet of gas yet to be discovered, highlighting continued interest in hydrocarbon potential in the region (U.S. Geological Survey releases).

    In other geology-related news, rising sea levels combined with the risk of major earthquakes in the Pacific Northwest are expected to increase flood risks, potentially affecting thousands of residents and properties from northern California to Washington state. Scientists warn this combined hazard underscores the need for enhanced preparedness and hazard mitigation in those coastal and riverine communities (ScienceDaily, June 2025).

    Overall, recent events from earthquake swarms and volcanic activity to resource studies and landslide mapping reveal a dynamic geological environment in the United States, driving ongoing research and hazard awareness across multiple disciplines.
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  • Volcanic Eruptions, Seismic Risks, and Evolving Water Cycles: Geological Insights Across the U.S.

    Volcanic Eruptions, Seismic Risks, and Evolving Water Cycles: Geological Insights Across the U.S.
    Jun 25 2025
    Geological activity across the United States has been dynamic this past week, with several notable updates from both volcanic and seismic research communities. According to the United States Geological Survey, volcanic activity at Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano remains closely monitored. As of mid-June, the Halema‘uma‘u eruption is paused, though summit inflation continues and low-level seismic tremor has persisted. The USGS notes that a new fountaining phase, part of Episode 26, could begin imminently depending on summit inflation rates. Overnight glow and intermittent spatter have been reported at the vents, signaling the possibility of renewed eruptive activity in the coming days. This ongoing situation underscores the need for continued vigilance around Kilauea, a volcano with a complex and active history.

    Turning to the mainland, the USGS also highlighted recent developments at Yellowstone Caldera. In May, 119 earthquakes were reported, with the largest reaching magnitude 2 point 7. While these events remain well below hazardous levels, researchers continue to closely watch hydrothermal features. Notably, on May 31, Black Diamond Pool in Biscuit Basin experienced a small eruption, an event captured on video by a newly installed webcam. This marks the first recorded eruption since a significant hydrothermal explosion in July 2024, offering new insights into the region’s geothermal dynamics and the utility of remote monitoring technologies.

    In Utah’s Wasatch Fault region, recent research detailed in ScienceDaily has examined the structural vulnerabilities that contribute to earthquake risk. By analyzing fault rock textures and conducting laboratory experiments, scientists have uncovered why this fault is particularly susceptible to seismic activity. These findings are especially relevant for the densely populated Wasatch Front, where earthquake preparedness continues to be a high priority.

    Elsewhere in the western United States, hydrologists have determined that much of the region’s spring runoff is older than previously thought. A new study shows that streamflow out of mountain ranges is composed of snowmelt that has spent an average of five years underground before emerging. This challenges traditional understandings of seasonal water cycles and has significant implications for water resource management in the face of prolonged droughts.

    On the global stage, geologists are preparing for upcoming international conferences such as the European Current Research on Fluid and Melt Inclusions in Turin, Italy, and the International Congress of Applied Geology in Cordoba, Argentina, where new research and collaborative efforts will be discussed. These gatherings reflect ongoing commitments to advance geological understanding worldwide.

    Overall, recent developments highlight the interplay between natural processes and human observation, with advances in technology and research refining our knowledge of volcanic hazards, seismic risks, and critical water resources within the United States and beyond.
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  • "Discover Geology's New Frontiers: Niobrara Formation Assessment, Landsat 7 Retirement, and Geoscience Innovations Worldwide"

    "Discover Geology's New Frontiers: Niobrara Formation Assessment, Landsat 7 Retirement, and Geoscience Innovations Worldwide"
    Jun 21 2025
    In the past week, several significant developments have shaped geology news, particularly in the United States. The U.S. Geological Survey announced a major new resource assessment for the Niobrara Formation across southwestern Wyoming and northwestern Colorado, estimating approximately 703 million barrels of oil and 5.8 trillion cubic feet of gas as yet undiscovered. This assessment highlights ongoing efforts to better understand and manage the nation’s vital oil and gas reserves, which are increasingly important for both economic development and energy strategy. Additionally, the USGS recently concluded operations for the Landsat 7 satellite, which was launched in 1999 and has contributed 26 years of continuous earth observation. Over its lifespan, Landsat 7 provided critical data for tracking changes in land use, monitoring agricultural health, and managing natural resources, establishing itself as a cornerstone of American remote sensing. The satellite’s retirement marks the end of an era, but its data legacy is expected to benefit scientific research and land management for decades to come.

    Also notable is the Geological Society of America’s preparation for the GSA Connects 2025 conference, which will take place in San Antonio, Texas. This event is expected to draw leading geoscientists from around the world to address pressing questions related to the planet’s dynamic systems, resource innovation, and planetary geology. Themes for this year’s conference include sustainable solutions to global environmental challenges and interdisciplinary research, reflecting a broader trend in geology toward addressing complex, interconnected issues. Early abstract submissions are encouraged to facilitate participation from international researchers, signaling a more inclusive and globally connected scientific community.

    Recent scientific findings have shed light on seismic risks in the western United States, particularly along Utah’s Wasatch Fault. According to ScienceDaily, research has focused on examining rock samples and fault textures to better understand why this region is especially vulnerable to earthquakes. Meanwhile, hydrologists have discovered that the majority of spring runoff in the western U.S. mountains originates from snowmelt that has been traveling underground for an average of five years, challenging previous assumptions about seasonal water flow and resource planning. There is also growing concern over flood risks in the Pacific Northwest, where a combination of powerful earthquakes and rising sea levels could substantially increase hazards for communities and infrastructure in northern California and beyond.

    Internationally, there have been notable volcanic eruptions this month, including in Indonesia’s Lowatobi and Italy’s Mount Etna. Both eruptions released significant ash plumes and pyroclastic deposits, which have been closely monitored and compared with recent volcanic activity in Hawaii. These events underscore the diverse tectonic and volcanic processes occurring worldwide and the continuing importance of global earth observation networks.

    As summer begins, the field of geology continues to blend cutting-edge technology with traditional fieldwork, integrating satellite-based monitoring, resource assessment, and conference-driven collaboration to address ongoing and emerging challenges both within the United States and across the globe.
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  • Kilauea Volcano Activity Escalates, Groundwater Decline in Kansas, and Renewable Energy Potential Explored in Latest Geoscience Developments

    Kilauea Volcano Activity Escalates, Groundwater Decline in Kansas, and Renewable Energy Potential Explored in Latest Geoscience Developments
    Jun 18 2025
    The United States has seen significant geological activity and research developments over the past week. On the island of Hawai‘i, the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has been closely monitoring Kilauea volcano. As of June eleventh, episode twenty five of volcanic activity began in Halema‘uma‘u crater, with intermittent gas-pistoning events at the north vent occurring at a rate of five to ten events per hour. The summit continues to experience inflation since the end of the previous eruptive episode, with lava fountains currently reaching heights of less than one hundred meters from both the north and south vents. The volcano alert level remains at watch, and the aviation color code is orange, indicating ongoing but contained activity. Trade winds have been helping to direct volcanic emissions southwest into closed areas of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Scientists remain attentive to changes in the inflationary tilt, which could prompt a shift in eruptive patterns according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

    In the interior United States, the Kansas Geological Survey reports that preliminary groundwater measurements show an overall decline of almost a foot in the High Plains aquifer region across western Kansas during twenty twenty four. This decline highlights the continuing stress on water supplies in the region, impacting agricultural and municipal water users. Additionally, new research from the Kansas Geological Survey examines salt dissolution in the Syracuse basin of western Kansas and eastern Colorado, offering insights into subsurface water movement and mineral resources.

    Elsewhere, the U.S. Geological Survey has released a new assessment of the Niobrara Formation in southwestern Wyoming and northeastern Colorado, estimating seven hundred three million barrels of oil and five point eight trillion cubic feet of natural gas remain undiscovered within the formation. These findings may carry implications for future resource development, economic forecasting, and environmental management in the region.

    On the renewable energy front, the U.S. Geological Survey’s provisional assessment suggests that enhanced geothermal systems in the Great Basin—which includes Nevada and five adjoining states—could potentially supply ten percent of U.S. electricity demand. This is based on an estimated one hundred thirty five gigawatts of baseload power, assuming current technology can be scaled up to meet demand.

    Internationally, the Global Stone Congress commenced in Drama, Greece, from June sixteenth to twentieth, focusing on advances in stone geology, conservation, and sustainable use of geological resources. The European Current Research on Fluid and Melt Inclusions meeting is scheduled later this month in Turin, Italy, and the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior conference is set for early July in Geneva, Switzerland, reflecting ongoing global collaboration in geoscience research.

    Together, these developments underscore the dynamic interplay between geological hazards, resource management, and scientific progress that continues to shape both the landscape and society in the United States and beyond.
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  • Geoscience Insights Across the US: From Texas Flooding to Renewable Energy Potential

    Geoscience Insights Across the US: From Texas Flooding to Renewable Energy Potential
    Jun 14 2025
    This week in geology across the United States has seen several significant developments and research findings. The United States Geological Survey reports that flooding across Texas continues to be closely monitored, with geologists tracking water levels and assessing associated hazards after recent severe weather events. In the southwest, the US Geological Survey has released new assessments estimating that Texas’s Maverick Basin contains eleven trillion cubic feet of undiscovered natural gas and three hundred sixty six million barrels of oil, which highlights the region’s ongoing role in U.S. energy resources. Similarly, the Hosston and Travis Peak formations along the Gulf Coast are estimated to hold nearly thirty six trillion cubic feet of undiscovered gas, roughly enough to supply the nation for over a year, reinforcing the Gulf Coast’s significance in future resource planning.

    In Wyoming and southern Montana, upper Paleozoic reservoirs continue to yield surprises, with an estimated forty seven million barrels of oil still remaining according to recent geological assessments. Researchers using seismic tomography have also uncovered that the underside of the North American continent, especially beneath the Midwest, is slowly “dripping” away in blobs of rock. While this process occurs over millions of years and poses no immediate risk, it deepens scientific understanding of how continents evolve and the forces that drive tectonic plate movement, according to the research team at the University of Texas at Austin.

    Geothermal energy potential is receiving renewed attention as a provisional assessment shows that enhanced geothermal systems in the Great Basin, covering Nevada and five adjoining states, could ultimately supply up to ten percent of the nation’s electricity demand. This finding emphasizes the substantial untapped renewable energy resources within the region and the importance of technological innovation in expanding their utilization.

    On the volcanic front, Kilauea volcano in Hawaii remains active. According to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, the most recent eruption episode in the Halemaʻumaʻu crater ended on June eleventh after eight hours of sustained fountaining. Although activity has subsided somewhat, ongoing summit inflation and seismic tremors suggest further eruption episodes could occur, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring.

    Globally, the geoscience community is convening for major international conferences, such as the Global Conference on Geology and Earth Science taking place in Rome from June twelfth to fourteenth. This event brings together experts to share insights on dynamic Earth processes, new technologies, and disaster preparedness strategies. Overall, these developments in the United States and abroad reflect a period of dynamic activity in geoscience, with new research improving hazard assessment, resource management, and our fundamental understanding of the planet’s evolution.
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  • Unlocking the Earth's Secrets: Groundbreaking Geological Discoveries and Assessments Shaping the US Energy Future

    Unlocking the Earth's Secrets: Groundbreaking Geological Discoveries and Assessments Shaping the US Energy Future
    Jun 11 2025
    The week has brought several significant developments in geology across the United States, highlighting both new discoveries and important assessments that could shape the nation’s energy future. According to recent news from the United States Geological Survey, Landsat 7, a weather and geological observation satellite, was officially decommissioned this month after twenty-six years in orbit. This marks the end of an era for the Landsat mission, which has provided valuable data on Earth’s surface, land use, and environmental changes for more than two decades. The Landsat Cal Val Team will continue its work with the program’s remaining satellites, ensuring ongoing earth observation for scientific and practical applications, such as tracking drought, land shifts, and urban expansion.

    In the national pursuit of critical minerals, the United States Geological Survey recently announced new funding for state-level projects that aim to evaluate mine waste as potential sources of crucial minerals. This initiative is a response to growing demands for resources used in modern technologies and clean energy. Studies will focus on data collection from former mining sites to assess their viability as future sources of minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, all essential for batteries and electronics.

    The US Geological Survey also released several new resource assessments, estimating vast undiscovered oil and gas reserves in multiple regions. Notably, the Hosston and Travis Peak formations along the Gulf Coast are believed to hold thirty-five point eight trillion cubic feet of natural gas, a significant find equivalent to more than a year’s supply for the United States. Texas’s Maverick Basin has also been assessed with an estimated eleven trillion cubic feet of gas and over three hundred million barrels of oil, while Wyoming and southern Montana’s upper Paleozoic reservoirs could contain as much as forty-seven million barrels of oil yet to be extracted.

    On the scientific front, researchers at the Jackson School of Geosciences at the University of Texas reported a fascinating discovery about the North American continent. Using new seismic tomography data, geoscientists found that the continent's underside, particularly beneath the Midwest, is slowly dripping away in blobs of rock deep into the mantle. While this process unfolds over millions of years and poses no immediate risk, it significantly enhances the understanding of continental evolution and tectonic recycling.

    Meanwhile, in Hawaii, the National Park Service is undertaking a series of aviation-supported surveys and maintenance operations at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. These include monitoring the endangered Hawaiian petrel and conducting aerial surveys for invasive species on Mauna Loa, underscoring the ongoing integration of geology, ecology, and conservation.

    Globally, the geology community is convening at major conferences this month, such as the Global Stone Congress in Greece, reflecting a renewed focus on earth materials and sustainability. Altogether, these updates point to a dynamic period in geological research and resource management, with the United States at the center of both scientific advancement and resource assessment.
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  • Volcanic Eruptions, Earthquakes, and Shifting Geological Research Funding Dominate Recent Developments Across the U.S.

    Volcanic Eruptions, Earthquakes, and Shifting Geological Research Funding Dominate Recent Developments Across the U.S.
    May 31 2025
    This week has brought significant geological developments across the United States, with a particular focus on volcanic activity, seismic events, resource assessments, and shifting governmental support for geological research. In Hawaii, the Kilauea volcano displayed remarkable activity, with major lava fountaining from the north vent, reaching heights of over 500 feet at the summit of Halemaʻumaʻu crater. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, this vigorous eruption began just after midday and produced fountains that fluctuated in height before settling into a sustained display, ultimately covering about half the crater floor with fresh lava. Orange glows persisted through the night, indicating that magma remains active and close to the surface.

    On the U.S. mainland, the United States Geological Survey reports that a moderate earthquake struck near the U.S.-Canada border northwest of Seattle, Washington, early this week, drawing attention to ongoing seismic activity along the Pacific Northwest. In southern California, a magnitude four point seven earthquake was felt, though there were no significant damages reported. The agency also conducted extensive mapping of more than six hundred landslides triggered by Hurricane Helene, utilizing advanced laser scanning and GPS technology for unprecedented accuracy.

    Resource assessments have been another focal point. The U.S. Geological Survey has published new evaluations of undiscovered oil and gas resources in several key regions. Assessments estimate thirty five point eight trillion cubic feet of gas in the Hosston and Travis Peak formations along the Gulf Coast, and a further eleven trillion cubic feet of gas plus over three hundred million barrels of oil in Texas's Maverick Basin. Wyoming and southern Montana are projected to contain forty seven million barrels of oil in their upper Paleozoic reservoirs, while the historic Los Angeles Basin is estimated to still have sixty one million barrels of recoverable oil.

    However, the future of geological research funding has become uncertain. The Wildlife Society reports that the federal government has notified U.S. Geological Survey researchers and university partners of imminent grant freezes and potential layoffs, as part of a broader move to reduce the federal workforce. While a temporary restraining order has paused some of these reductions following a lawsuit, researchers face ongoing uncertainty about the continuity of critical scientific work.

    Globally, the geology community continued to advance its agenda with events such as the Initiative on Forensic Geology conference in Rome this past week, where international experts gathered to share findings and discuss innovations. Meanwhile, recent research published by ScienceDaily found that earthquakes create ripple effects in Earth's upper atmosphere, occasionally disrupting satellite navigation and communication systems, and researchers have refined the science behind locating natural hydrogen sources beneath the Earth's surface, which may influence energy resource development in coming years. The past week illustrates both the dynamism of Earth's geology and the evolving landscape for scientific study in the United States and around the world.
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