Latest news with #USGS
New York Post
6 hours ago
- Science
- New York Post
Hear the chilling sounds of Earth's north and south poles reversing 780K years ago — could it happen again?
Earth spins, shifts, and now… flips? Our planet's gymnastics routine continues underneath our feet nearly every day, but researchers at the Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences in Germany recently mapped what they say is one of the most 'drastic events in the evolution of Earth's magnetic field' — the Matuyama-Brunhes reversal, which took place 780,000 years ago. A significantly lower intensity magnetic field could provide less protection from radiation in space. European Space Agency Advertisement The magnetic field, which extends up into the atmosphere, is generated by a layer of ever-shifting liquid metals underneath Earth's surface. It protects the planet's inhabitants from extreme cosmic and solar radiation, but it has also been harnessed in various technological projects. Using ice cores, sediment samples and marine specimens, the team constructed a model of the field pre-flip, and animated the reversal. Three violins, three cellos and a synthesizer make up the sonic side of the project, mirroring the lurching veer that happens as the fields are in flux. Advertisement Though the sound is almost pleasant at first, the reversal sees a sudden shift in tone, leading to what the team called a 'disharmonic cacophony.' Several years back, scientists tracking the planet's geomagnetic fields began to notice some oddities, sparking panic among the general population. The abnormalities occurred mostly in the South Atlantic. A magnetic switch of this size would have consequences, but primarily because society and technology are inextricable. GPS interference, power grid interruptions, and satellite failures are several of the most pressing issues that humanity would face. This is what the magnetosphere could look like from space, though in real life, it's invisible to the naked eye. NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center Scientific Visualization Studio Advertisement 'Based on similarities with the recreated anomalies, we predict that the South Atlantic Anomaly will probably disappear within the next 300 years, and that Earth is not heading towards a polarity reversal', said Andreas Nilsson, a geologist at Lund University, in a study on a potential field reversal. Since the 1830s, the intensity of Earth's magnetic field has diminished by 10 percent, but according to experts at the United States Geological Survey (USGS), paleomagnetic studies show that during a reversal, it decreases by up to 90 percent. 'A reduced intensity in the magnetic field does not necessarily mean that a reversal is about to occur. Moreover, the decrease in intensity is not a dramatic departure from normal,' added the USGS. 'For all we know, the field may actually get stronger at some point in the not-so-distant future.' Advertisement 'Understanding these extreme events is important for their occurrence in the future, space climate predictions, and assessing the effects on the environment and on the Earth system,' said Sanja Panovska, a researcher from the Helmholtz Center for Geosciences.
Daily Mail
7 hours ago
- Science
- Daily Mail
Experts on high alert as multiple volcanoes in 'Pacific Ring of Fire' suddenly come to life
Several volcanoes in the 'Pacific Ring of Fire' have shown increased activity recently, prompting close monitoring by experts for potential eruptions. Also called the Circum-Pacific Belt, it is a 25,000-mile chain of volcanoes and earthquake zones from South America to Alaska, across Japan, and down to New Zealand. The US Geological Survey (USGS) has found four volcanoes, all in the US, which are rumbling, including the Great Sitkin Volcano in Alaska that has been steadil y erupting lava into its summit crater for nearly four years. Recent satellite imagery confirms the eruption remains slow and non-explosive, with lava continuing to flow southwest. In Hawaii, Kilauea has paused its lava fountains but continues to build pressure. Scientists anticipate a new eruptive phase between July 17 and 20. Although lava fountains have ceased, sulfur dioxide emissions remain elevated, measured between 1,200 and 1,500 tons per day, indicating ongoing volcanic activity. Mount Rainier in Washington experienced its largest recorded earthquake swarm in early July, with 334 quakes detected over two days starting July 8, raising vigilance among volcanologists. Offshore Oregon, the underwater Axial Seamount is under close observation, with researchers forecasting an eruption possibly occurring in 2025. According to the scientists, these volcanoes are unpredictable as they are a result of natural movement in the Earth's crust, especially along the Pacific Ring of Fire. That is because this area is where the Pacific tectonic plate sinks under neighboring plates, creating quakes and eruptions. Even with the flurry of quakes and lava, none of these volcanoes currently threaten the nearby communities. Each of the rumbling volcanoes has its own history and behavior pattern. The Great Sitkin Volcano, located in Alaska's Aleutian Islands, began erupting in 2021 after decades of inactivity. In April, USGS volcanologist reported that lava has slowly filled the crater over the years, building a thick dome, but it has not triggered ash clouds or air travel disruptions, a key concern for aviation in the region. Lava is still pushing out of the summit crater at Great Sitkin Volcano in Alaska. It is not explosive, but steady. Small quakes continue, and there is no sign the eruption is ending anytime soon. Mount Spurr, roughly 80 miles west of Anchorage, had its last explosive eruption in 1992, sending ash clouds 40,000 feet into the sky. The recent shallow earthquake swarms echo early warning signs from that event, though experts say there is no magma movement yet. Nearby, Mount Spurr has had shallow earthquake swarms since February. As of now, it is quiet, no gas, no lava, and no expected eruption, but USGS has kept it under an advisory level. However, Kilauea, on Hawaii's Big Island, is being monitored around the clock because of its proximity to residential areas. In 2018, lava flows from the volcano destroyed over 700 homes in the Leilani Estates subdivision. Scientists are now tracking surface deformation, quake movement, and gas emissions to anticipate another potential hazard phase. Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world but is not part of the Ring of Fire. It sits above a hot spot in the Earth's mantle, a fixed plume of heat and magma that stays in place while the Pacific Plate moves slowly over it. Seismologists are now concerned that Kilauea is swelling again and showing more quakes, signs it could erupt soon. A vent on the undersea volcano Axial Seamount. Scientists expect an eruption next year, but it will likely go unnoticed by anyone except the seafloor monitoring teams The activity could mark the start of what is known as Episode 29, the latest phase in the volcano's ongoing eruption cycle that began in 1983. The volcano, containing gas, ash, and threads, poses a threat to humans due to its confined nature and potential for eruptions. Mount Rainier, despite not erupting in centuries, remains one of the most hazardous volcanoes in North America because of its massive glacial coverage. A 2023 USGS risk assessment found that even small eruptions or earthquakes could trigger deadly mudflows, known as lahars, capable of reaching communities like Orting and Puyallup within minutes. Earlier this month, the volcano experienced its largest earthquake swarm since 2009, with hundreds of small tremors rattling the area. According to USGS, each quake was under magnitude 1.7 and originated just a few miles beneath the summit, deep enough to raise concern among scientists. While the volcano's alert level remains at 'normal' and no ground deformation has been detected, this swarm adds to approximately thousands, of quakes recorded at Rainier since 2020. Although an eruption is not expected in the immediate future, experts still rank Mount Rainier among the most dangerous volcanoes in the Pacific Northwest due to its potential to unleash lahars, ash fall, and pyroclastic flows. Scientists emphasize that it is not lava that poses the greatest threat, but the lahars. These violent mudflows can form during an eruption or even without one, triggered by intense rainfall, melting snow, or weakened slopes. Off Oregon's coast, Axial Seamount continues to slowly inflate. Scientists expect an eruption next year, but it will likely go unnoticed by anyone except the seafloor monitoring teams. Volcano experts say there is no cause for panic. The activity fits into long-term patterns in the Ring of Fire and Hawaii's hot spot as the scientists are watching them closely.
News18
14 hours ago
- Climate
- News18
6.7 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Indonesia's Tanimbar Islands Region
Last Updated: A 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia's on Tanimbar Islands region on Monday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said A 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia's Tanimbar Islands region on Monday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). There are no immediate reports of damage or a tsunami threat. Authorities are monitoring the situation for further developments. 'A notable earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.7 struck 179 km west-southwest of Tual, Indonesia, on July 14," read the official USGS statement. The earthquake struck at 05:49 GMT (11:19 am IST), with its epicentre located at a depth of 10.0 kilometres. In January 2023, a strong earthquake measuring 7.6 magnitude struck near the Tanimbar Islands, prompting a tsunami alert that lasted several hours. It caused panic among residents. The tremor resulted in damage to at least 15 houses and two school buildings, though no casualties were reported. The Tanimbar Islands, part of Indonesia's Maluku province, consist of about 30 islands situated in the Arafura Sea between Timor to the west and New Guinea to the east. Indonesia, home to over 270 million people spread across a vast archipelago, is located on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire"—a region known for high seismic activity. The country regularly experiences earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis, and has around 120 active volcanoes. In May, a magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck southern Sumatra, Indonesia, according to the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ). The tremor occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles). No injuries or casualties were reported. view comments First Published: July 14, 2025, 11:46 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Associated Press
a day ago
- Climate
- Associated Press
An earthquake with a preliminary 6.2 magnitude shakes Panama, with no immediate reports of damage
PANAMA CITY (AP) — An earthquake with a preliminary 6.2 magnitude struck off the Pacific coast of Panama on Monday, authorities said. No injuries or damage were immediately reported. The U.S. Geological Survey said that the quake occurred around midday about 130 miles (210 kilometers) south of Punta Burica at a preliminary depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), in Panama's Chiriquí province near the border with Costa Rica. The temblor was felt in Chiriquí and surrounding areas in western Panama, a region known for frequent seismic activity. Local officials said that there was no threat of a tsunami. Panama's civil protection agency said it would continue monitoring the situation, but confirmed no damage to infrastructure had been immediately reported.
LBCI
2 days ago
- Climate
- LBCI
Magnitude 6.7 earthquake hits offshore eastern Indonesia
A magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck Monday off eastern Indonesia, the U.S. Geological Survey said, but a monitor said there was no tsunami threat. The quake epicenter was at a depth of 80 kilometers (50 miles) around 177 kilometers west of the city of Tual in the eastern Maluku province. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no tsunami threat. AFP
