Tuff Schist

The adventures of an unstable geologist

Posts tagged nature

11 notes

elegantbuffalo: Scientists from the University of Southampton have identified a repeating trigger for the largest explosive volcanic eruptions on Earth. By analysing crystal cumulate nodules (igneous rocks formed by the accumulation of crystals in magma) discovered in pyroclastic deposits of major eruptions, the scientists found that pre-eruptive mixing within the magma chamber — where older cooler magma mixed with younger hotter magma — appears to be the repeating trigger in large-scale eruptions. (Las Cañadas volcano. Credit: Barry Marsh)

elegantbuffalo:

Scientists from the University of Southampton have identified a repeating trigger for the largest explosive volcanic eruptions on Earth.

By analysing crystal cumulate nodules (igneous rocks formed by the accumulation of crystals in magma) discovered in pyroclastic deposits of major eruptions, the scientists found that pre-eruptive mixing within the magma chamber — where older cooler magma mixed with younger hotter magma — appears to be the repeating trigger in large-scale eruptions.

(Las Cañadas volcano. Credit: Barry Marsh)

Filed under geology volcano volcanology explosive eruption magma lava ash crystal igneous pyroclastic science Earth nature chamber

10 notes

ignites:

Spill

A massive explosion aboard the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico in April 2010 led to largest crude oil spill in the history of the petroleum industry. Photographer Daniel Beltrá, in his continuing devotion to celebrating the world’s ecosystems via his camera, captured these remarkable images to document a horrific disaster that continues to impact the economies and the natural environs of Gulf region inhabitants. Entitled Spill, the collection of aerial images is, visually speaking, equal parts beautiful and tragic. 

Filed under gulf of mexico nature oil spill ocean photography art

11 notes

arizonanature: National Parks: Day Ten Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument Sunset Crater Volcano! Roughly 900 years ago, the eruption of this volcano reshaped the surrounding landscape, forever changing the lives of people, plants and animals. Hike the trail through the lava flow and cinders and you’ll likely discover colorful, ruggedly dramatic geological features coexisting with twisted Ponderosa Pines and an amazing array of wildlife.

arizonanature:

National Parks: Day Ten

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Sunset Crater Volcano! Roughly 900 years ago, the eruption of this volcano reshaped the surrounding landscape, forever changing the lives of people, plants and animals. Hike the trail through the lava flow and cinders and you’ll likely discover colorful, ruggedly dramatic geological features coexisting with twisted Ponderosa Pines and an amazing array of wildlife.

Filed under geology sunset crater volcano volcanic nature landscape mountains arizona flagstaff national park beautiful lava trees

216 notes

nature-brains: But coral reefs are not lost and will not be if we take proper action — and science is showing us the way. Abandoning hope for coral reefs not only is reckless and dangerous for those who depend on these amazing ecosystems — it is one of the most unscientific things a conservationist today could do.  — Stephanie Wear, Nature Conservancy director of coral reef strategy (Image credit: josh-n/Flickr through a Creative Commons license.)

nature-brains:

But coral reefs are not lost and will not be if we take proper action — and science is showing us the way. Abandoning hope for coral reefs not only is reckless and dangerous for those who depend on these amazing ecosystems — it is one of the most unscientific things a conservationist today could do.  — Stephanie Wear, Nature Conservancy director of coral reef strategy

(Image credit: josh-n/Flickr through a Creative Commons license.)

Filed under science coral coral reef nature Stephanie Wear Nature Conservancy Roger Bradbury