Tag Archives: Geophysics

Explaining Mars’ Patchy Aurora

Posted on February 2, 2024 by rberkowitz

The solar wind’s orientation relative to Mars’ magnetic-field lines changes as the planet rotates, creating conditions ripe for magnetic reconnection. Continue reading →

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An Unexpected Discovery at the Air-Water Interface

Posted on December 4, 2023 by rberkowitz

New research reveals a surprising chemical pathway for a CO2 reaction important in many geological and biological processes. Continue reading →

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Solid-State Physicist Turns to Rocks

Posted on December 1, 2023 by rberkowitz

An archaeology-focused sabbatical prompted semiconductor physicist Kristin Poduska to ask questions about how the environment impacts the chemical and structural properties of natural materials. Continue reading →

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Martian Impacts Seen and Heard

Posted on October 27, 2022 by rberkowitz

Linking acoustic and seismic signals from meteorite strikes to orbiter images is a step toward mapping the planet’s interior. Continue reading →

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Webb Telescope Searches for Exoplanet Atmospheres

Posted on October 4, 2022 by rberkowitz

The recent detection of CO2 around a distant Jupiter-like planet spurs
optimism for detecting atmospheric gases around Earth-like planets
orbiting faraway stars. Continue reading →

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Icy Resonance

Posted on August 23, 2022 by rberkowitz

Ice sheets amplify clues from Iceland’s hidden volcanoes. Continue reading →

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Unusual Flow

Posted on February 18, 2022 by rberkowitz

A transparent rock experiment shows how stretchy molecules kick up eddies. Continue reading →

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Predicting the Shape of Pointy-Rock Forests

Posted on January 19, 2022 by rberkowitz

The shape and curvature evolution of dissolving rocks can be predicted using a new theory. Continue reading →

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Linking Glaciers on Earth to the Climate on Mars

Posted on April 30, 2021 by rberkowitz

Geophysicist Jack Holt explains how Earth’s debris-covered glaciers can teach us about the climate history of Mars. Continue reading →

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Ancient lightning may have provided the phosphorus necessary for life

Posted on April 6, 2021 by rberkowitz

On early Earth, lightning strikes created glassy rocks that hosted abundant soluble minerals, which were rich in phosphorus, a vital ingredient in biomolecules. Continue reading →

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