Tag: geology

Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Main

Yellowstone Supervolcano May Wake Up Sooner Than We Thought

SCIENCE A new study of ancient ash suggests the “sleeping giant” could develop the conditions needed to blow in a span of mere decades. (Nat Geo News) What is the Yellowstone supervolcano? Use our super resource (including downloadable maps, videos, and photos) to learn more. Discussion Ideas The geologic feature beneath Yellowstone National Park is described as a “supervolcano.” How does a supervolcano differ from … Continue reading Yellowstone Supervolcano May Wake Up Sooner Than We Thought

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Geography In the News, Main

Why Two Volcanoes in Hawaii Are So Close, but So Different

SCIENCE Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, two volcanoes which have beguiled millions of tourists visiting the Hawaiian islands, have also intrigued scientists with a long-running mystery: If they are so close together, how did they develop in two parallel tracks over the same hot spot—and why are their chemical compositions so different? (New York Times) Why are there volcanoes in Hawaii? Teachers, scroll down for … Continue reading Why Two Volcanoes in Hawaii Are So Close, but So Different

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Geography In the News, Main

Why is This Glacier Bleeding?

SCIENCE Most glaciers weep freshwater ‘tears’—this one gushes briny ‘blood.’ (Nat Geo News) Learn all about Blood Falls with our great resource, including educator, student, and family versions. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas According to our study guide on Blood Falls, the phenomenon is a liquid outflow at the snout of Taylor Glacier in … Continue reading Why is This Glacier Bleeding?

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Main

Diamonds Are in the Pink

WORLD A pink diamond just became the most expensive gemstone ever sold at an auction, fetching a record sale price of $71.2 million in Hong Kong. (Washington Post) Diamonds are a geologist’s best friend! Use our resources to find out why. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas The “Pink Star” diamond is the most valuable … Continue reading Diamonds Are in the Pink

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Main

Crystal Caves Hold Long-Dormant Life

SCIENCE Scientists have extracted long-dormant microbes from inside the famous giant crystals of the Naica mountain caves in Mexico—and revived them. (BBC) Where else have ancient microbes been found? Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit, including a link to today’s simple MapMaker Interactive map. Discussion Ideas Scientists are excited about the extremophile microbes just discovered at the … Continue reading Crystal Caves Hold Long-Dormant Life

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