Earth & Planetary Sciences
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Earth scientist Gregory Rau is finalist for ConocoPhillips Energy Prize
Gregory Rau, a senior researcher at UCSC’s Institute of Marine Sciences, was chosen as a finalist for the ConocoPhillips Energy Prize for his energy and carbon management proposal.
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Valley networks on Mars formed during long period of episodic flooding, study finds
A new study suggests that ancient features on the surface of Mars called valley networks were carved by recurrent floods during a long period when the martian climate may have been much like that of some arid or semi-arid regions on Earth.
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Two UCSC professors receive prestigious Humboldt Research Awards
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation has chosen Robert Coe and James Zachos, both professors of Earth and planetary sciences at UC Santa Cruz, to receive Humboldt Research Awards this year.
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Evidence of massive asteroid impact on Mars supported by computer simulations
The dramatic differences between the northern and southern hemispheres of Mars are the result of a massive asteroid impact, according to studies by UCSC planetary scientists.
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Seismologist Thorne Lay elected to American Academy of Arts & Sciences
Thorne Lay, professor of Earth and planetary sciences at UCSC, has been elected a fellow of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honorary societies.
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New findings from Tibetan Plateau suggest uplift occurred in stages
New evidence from an eight-year study by UCSC and Chinese researchers indicates that the Tibetan Plateau rose in stages, with uplift occurring first in the central plateau and later in regions to the north and south.
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Earth scientist James Zachos elected fellow of the American Geophysical Union
James Zachos, professor of Earth and planetary sciences at UCSC, has been elected a fellow of the American Geophysical Union (AGU).
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Past greenhouse warming events provide clues to what the future may hold
Scientists studying an episode of extreme global warming in Earth’s past are piecing together an increasingly detailed picture of its causes and consequences.
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Geophysicist Robert Coe honored by American Geophysical Union
Robert Coe, professor of Earth and planetary sciences, was selected by the American Geophysical Union’s (AGU) Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism section to receive the 2007 William Gilbert Award.
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UCSC geologist probes undersea seismic zone as part of new deep-drilling experiment
The first effort to drill into an undersea zone where massive earthquakes and tsunamis are generated has yielded new data on the stresses that build up there, according to UCSC geologist Casey Moore.
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Study finds oral traditions effectively warn people about tsunamis and reduce mortality
Oral traditions are a very efficient means of tsunami education, according to a new study that researchers say shows the power of education to reduce mortality from tsunamis.
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UCSC hydrogeologist provides expert advice on Pajaro Valley’s water supply
When a community forum was held in Watsonville on November 1 to discuss the future of the Pajaro Valley’s water supply, organizers turned to Andrew Fisher, professor of Earth and planetary sciences, to describe the state of the region’s ground water.