We’ll examine plate tectonics on Earth — its features and forces — and examine some concepts that may allow astronomers to ask useful questions regarding numeric models that putatively predict […]
geology
Posted inAstrogeology, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Caves, Craters, Mountains, Subsurface, Lava Tubes, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Icy Worlds, Status Report
Exoplanet Geology: What Can We Learn From Current And Future Observations?
Nearly 30 years after the discovery of the first exoplanet around a main sequence star, thousands of planets have now been confirmed.
Posted inAstrogeology, Habitable Zones, Magnetic Fields, Electromagnetism, bioelectricity,, Press Release, Radiation, Space Weather & Heliophysics
The Oldest Undisputed Evidence Of Earth’s Magnetic Field
Without its magnetic field, life on Earth would not be possible since this shields us from harmful cosmic radiation and charged particles emitted by the Sun (the ‘solar wind’). But […]
Posted inAstrogeology, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Fossils & Paleontology, Microbiology & Virology, Status Report
2.7 Billion Year Old Tumbiana Stromatolite From An Ancient Lakebed In Australia
This stromatolite formed about 2.7 billion years ago and was collected from an ancient lake environment preserved in the Tumbiana Formation, a succession of clastic and carbonate rocks outcropping along […]
Posted inAstrogeology, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Habitable Zones, Origin & Evolution of Life, Status Report, Terraforming & Geoengineering, Venus
Venus As An Anchor Point for Planetary Habitability
A major focus of the planetary science and astrobiology community is the understanding of planetary habitability, including the myriad factors that control the evolution and sustainability of temperate surface environments […]
Posted inAtmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Status Report
A Secular Solar System Resonance That Disrupts The Dominant Cycle In Earth’s Orbital Eccentricity (g2-g5): Implications For Astrochronology
The planets’ gravitational interaction causes rhythmic changes in Earth’s orbital parameters (also called Milanković cycles), which have powerful applications in geology and astrochronology.
Posted inAstrogeology, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Mars, Status Report
Coupled Geophysical And Thermal Constraints Link Between Mars Basal Molten Layer And The Planet Viscosity Profile
Computing the tidal deformations of Mars, we explored various Mars internal structures by examining profiles that include or exclude a basal molten layer within the mantle and a solid inner […]
Posted inBiosignatures & Paleobiology, Fossils & Paleontology, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Microgravity, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release
High Resolution Techniques Reveal Clues In 3.5 Billion-year-old Biomass
To learn about the first organisms on our planet, researchers have to analyse the rocks of the early Earth. These can only be found in a few places on the […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exploration Gear & Tech, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mars, Status Report, Tricorders & Sensors
Detection Of Indigenous Organic Matter In Rocks From The Interpretation Of Carbon Molecular Forms In The Laser-induced Plasma
Detection of indigenous organic matter (IOM) in rocks using molecular-laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is reported. IOM refers to carbon-based compounds of variable complexity intimately associated with mineral and amorphous phases […]
Posted inBiogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Extinction events, Fossils & Paleontology, Press Release, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Oxygen Increased In Earth’s Tropical Ocean During The Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum
Oxygenation in the tropical North Pacific Ocean increased during a warm climatic interval that occurred roughly 56 million years ago, despite high global temperatures, according to a new study.