Tue 27 May 12:00: tbc
Abstract not available
- Speaker: Jeff Peakall, University of Leeds
- Tuesday 27 May 2025, 12:00-13:00
- Venue: Department of Earth Sciences, Tilley Lecture Theatre.
- Series: Department of Earth Sciences Seminars (downtown); organiser: Dr Rachael Rhodes.
Thu 08 May 11:30: TBC
Abstract not available
- Speaker: Emma Lepinay, IEEF
- Thursday 08 May 2025, 11:30-12:30
- Venue: Open Plan Area, Institute for Energy and Environmental Flows, Madingley Rise CB3 0EZ.
- Series: Institute for Energy and Environmental Flows (IEEF); organiser: Catherine Pearson.
Thu 01 May 11:30: Interaction of Mechanical Ventilation and Natural Convection
Abstract not available
- Speaker: Dan Toy, IEEF
- Thursday 01 May 2025, 11:30-12:30
- Venue: Open Plan Area, Institute for Energy and Environmental Flows, Madingley Rise CB3 0EZ.
- Series: Institute for Energy and Environmental Flows (IEEF); organiser: Catherine Pearson.
Thu 12 Jun 11:30: TBC
Abstract not available
- Speaker: Quentin Kriaa, Uni of Cambridge
- Thursday 12 June 2025, 11:30-12:30
- Venue: Open Plan Area, Institute for Energy and Environmental Flows, Madingley Rise CB3 0EZ.
- Series: Institute for Energy and Environmental Flows (IEEF); organiser: Catherine Pearson.
Wed 21 May 14:00: Optical geodesy in the near-field of earthquake ruptures
The precise estimation of ground displacement caused by natural hazards, such as earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, as well as monitoring of glaciers, can be performed by comparing (or spatially correlating) two optical satellite images of the same region acquired on different dates. This technique can provide very rapid and robust constraints on ground displacement, and is especially valuable for large surface rupturing earthquakes, which typically involve very large strains in the near-field region, thus preventing the use of high precision InSAR techniques in resolving ground deformation. However, the challenge with optical correlation resides in the fact that the ground motion is generally smaller than the satellite image resolution: sub-pixel precision is therefore critical. One solution, which forms the basis of many current optical correlation methods, is to assume a uniform displacement over a small correlation window (typically between 3 and 100 pixels wide/high). However, this assumption can lead to wrong estimations, notably close to sharp discontinuities such as fault ruptures. I present here the first data-based method to perform ground displacement estimation, relying on a machine learning model and a synthetically generated surface rupture database. This database is used to train a model to retrieve the local displacement for a given image pair. It includes images containing synthetic sharp displacement boundaries in order to learn a more realistic machine learning model. Our results show that we improve the accuracy near fault ruptures compared to state-of-the-art methods, which is important for studying the mechanics of near-fault processes. I follow this with some recent examples of surface rupturing earthquakes where high resolution optical data has revealed new information on the surface rupture. Since surface ruptures are intimately linked with earthquake rupture dynamics, we begin to look at how high resolution optical data can start to inform our understanding of the physics governing how faults slip.
- Speaker: James Hollingsworth, ISTerre, Grenoble, France
- Wednesday 21 May 2025, 14:00-15:00
- Venue: Wolfson Lecture Theatre.
- Series: Bullard Laboratories Wednesday Seminars; organiser: Adriano Gualandi.
Tue 13 May 12:00: Self-organisation in mafic cumulates: differential migration of immiscible silicate liquids in the crystal mush
Self-organisation in plutonic igneous rocks has been suggested to form by a variety of mechanisms including oscillatory nucleation and growth, competitive particle growth (CPG), recrystallisation during compaction, and by a reduction in the total grain boundary energy budget based on the assumption that the energy of boundaries between two grains of the same mineral is less than that between two grains of different minerals. These various mechanisms can be distinguished on the basis of their microstructural signatures. An investigation of the Stillwater inch-scale layering and similar layers in the Bushveld intrusion shows that the CPG patterning mechanism leaves a characteristic microstructural record preserving evidence for slow super- and sub-solidus cooling with a highly interconnected texturally equilibrated melt phase that enhanced Ostwald ripening. The Skaergaard intrusion locally preserves cm-scale micro-rhythmic layering, superimposed on single modally-graded layers. The microstructures in the Skaergaard example do not show evidence of CPG . Furthermore, the energy of all relevant hetero-phase interfaces is less than that of the associated grain boundaries in igneous and metamorphic rocks, there is no compelling evidence for compaction in the Skaergaard intrusion, and the supposition of micro-rhythmic layering on modally graded layers formed by sedimentation precludes patterning by oscillatory nucleation and growth. A new patterning mechanism is proposed, whereby immiscible conjugate silicate liquids in the crystal mush self-organise, due to differences in their wetting properties in the compositionally-graded mush and the positive feedback due to the fact that the two immiscible conjugates predominantly crystallise the minerals which they preferentially wet.
- Speaker: Marian Holness, University of Cambridge
- Tuesday 13 May 2025, 12:00-13:00
- Venue: Department of Earth Sciences, Tilley Lecture Theatre.
- Series: Department of Earth Sciences Seminars (downtown); organiser: Dr Rachael Rhodes.
Study of ice-flow physics will improve predictions of ice sheet movement
A new study involving scientists from the University of Cambridge has developed innovative methods to build a better picture of how ice sheets and glaciers move. Published in the journal Nature Geoscience , the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka-led study used previously collected lab data to refine knowledge of...
History and future of stone use in Cambridge
Continue reading "History and future of stone use in Cambridge"
History and future of stone use in Cambridge
Continue reading "History and future of stone use in Cambridge"
David Attenborough Building: Outstanding environmental management
The David Attenborough Building (DAB) is more than just a hub for cutting-edge conservation research ; it’s a model of the University’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Guided by the principles of ISO 14001:2015 , the DAB has established a comprehensive Environmental Management System (EMS) that integrates...
Thu 22 May 11:30: TBC
Abstract not available
- Speaker: Prof Ljiljana Fruk ( Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology)
- Thursday 22 May 2025, 11:30-12:30
- Venue: Open Plan Area, Institute for Energy and Environmental Flows, Madingley Rise CB3 0EZ.
- Series: Institute for Energy and Environmental Flows (IEEF); organiser: Catherine Pearson.
Clinical School Climate Forum: Freezing the way to sustainable labs
Since 2022, the School of Clinical Medicine (SCM), led by their Climate and Sustainability Action Group, has been developing and delivering its Local Environmental Sustainability Plan (LESP). To date, the group has coordinated a range of sustainability initiatives, including reducing the energy consumption and extending...
Banking Engagement Forum: Driving sustainable finance
The Banking Engagement Forum (BEF) has been recognised with one of the University’s prestigious Excellence Awards, celebrating its outstanding contribution to enhancing environmental sustainability. In 2023, after three years of collaboration with the major banks serving the University of Cambridge and its affiliated...
Visit our Earth Sciences Fair, happening 29th March
The Sedgwick Museum and the Department of Earth Sciences are hosting an Earth Sciences Fair this Saturday, 29th March, as part of the Cambridge Festival Family Weekend . Visitors will meet earth scientists and explore the world of research through fun, hands-on activities. Highlights include an opportunity to hold...
Read our latest issue of GeoCam magazine
The latest issue of GeoCam is here—and it's packed with exciting updates! Dive into our alumni magazine and meet our new Head of Department, explore fascinating insights from current and former students, and uncover groundbreaking research alongside the latest happenings at the Sedgwick Museum. Latest GeoCam issue, click...
Celebrating sustainability: How our staff and students are leading the way
At the University of Cambridge, sustainability is a collective effort, driven further by the commitment and leadership of our staff and students. In 2023-24, two key events showcased their remarkable efforts: the Professional Services Recognition Scheme Awards 2024 , and the Sustainability Showcase 2024 . These events...
Green Impact in action: Building sustainable change
Sustainability isn't just about policies - it's about action. Green Impact is a national scheme that enables University institutions to reduce environmental impact through an action toolkit, rewarding progress over time from Bronze, Silver and Gold all the way to Platinum. Excellence projects can also be completed to focus...
Thriving Antarctic ecosystems found following iceberg calving
An international team of scientists have uncovered a thriving underwater ecosystem off the coast of Antarctica that had never before been accessible to humans.
The team, including researchers from the University of Cambridge, were working in the Bellingshausen Sea off the coast of Antarctica when a massive iceberg broke away from the George VI Ice Shelf in January of this year.
The team, on board Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor (too), changed their plans and reached the newly exposed seafloor 12 days later, becoming the first to investigate the area.
Their expedition was the first detailed study of the geology, physical oceanography, and biology beneath such a large area once covered by a floating ice shelf. The A-84 iceberg was approximately 510 square kilometres (209 square miles) in size, and revealed an equivalent area of seafloor when it broke away from the ice shelf.
"We seized upon the moment, changed our expedition plan, and went for it so we could look at what was happening in the depths below," said expedition co-chief scientist Dr Patricia Esquete from the University of Aveiro, Portugal. "We didn't expect to find such a beautiful, thriving ecosystem. Based on the size of the animals, the communities we observed have been there for decades, maybe even hundreds of years.”
Using Schmidt Ocean Institute’s remotely operated vehicle, ROV SuBastian, the team observed the deep seafloor for eight days and found flourishing ecosystems at depths as great as 1300 meters.
Their observations include large corals and sponges supporting an array of animal life, including icefish, giant sea spiders, and octopus. The discovery offers new insights into how ecosystems function beneath floating sections of the Antarctic ice sheet.
Little is known about what lies beneath Antarctica’s floating ice shelves. In 2021, British Antarctic Survey researchers first reported signs of bottom-dwelling life beneath the Filchner-Ronne ice shelf in the Southern Weddell Sea. The current expedition was the first to use an ROV to explore this remote environment.
The team was surprised by the significant biomass and biodiversity of the ecosystems and suspect they have discovered several new species.
Deep-sea ecosystems typically rely on nutrients from the surface slowly raining down to the seafloor. However, these Antarctic ecosystems have been covered by 150-meter-thick ice for centuries, completely cut off from surface nutrients. Ocean currents also move nutrients, and the team hypothesizes that currents are a possible mechanism for sustaining life beneath the ice sheet. The precise mechanism fuelling these ecosystems is not yet understood.
The newly exposed Antarctic seafloor also allowed the team, with scientists from Portugal, the United Kingdom, Chile, Germany, Norway, New Zealand, and the United States, to gather critical data on the past behaviour of the larger Antarctic ice sheet. The ice sheet has been shrinking and losing mass over the last few decades due to climate change.
“The ice loss from the Antarctic Ice Sheet is a major contributor to sea level rise worldwide,” said expedition co-chief scientist Sasha Montelli of University College London (UCL). “Our work is critical for providing longer-term context of these recent changes, improving our ability to make projections of future change — projections that can inform actionable policies. We will undoubtedly make new discoveries as we continue to analyse this data.”
“We were thrilled by the opportunity to explore the newly exposed seafloor,” said team member Dr Svetlana Radionovskaya from Cambridge’s Department of Earth Sciences. “The research will provide key insights into ice sheet dynamics, oceanography and sub-ice shelf ecosystems. At a time when the West Antarctic Ice Sheet is melting at an alarming rate, understanding these dynamics and their impacts is crucial.”
In addition to collecting biological and geological samples, the team used autonomous underwater vehicles called gliders to study the impacts of glacial meltwater on the region's physical and chemical properties. Preliminary data suggest high biological productivity and a strong meltwater flow from the George VI ice shelf.
The expedition was part of Challenger 150, a global cooperative focused on deep-sea biological research and endorsed by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC/UNESCO) as an Ocean Decade Action.
“The science team was originally in this remote region to study the seafloor and ecosystem at the interface between ice and sea,” said Schmidt Ocean Institute Executive Director, Dr Jyotika Virmani. “Being right there when this iceberg calved from the ice shelf presented a rare scientific opportunity. Serendipitous moments are part of the excitement of research at sea – they offer the chance to be the first to witness the untouched beauty of our world.”
Svetlana Radionovskaya is a Junior Research Fellow at Queens’ College, Cambridge.
Adapted from a media release by the Schmidt Ocean Institute.
Scientists explore a seafloor area newly exposed by iceberg A-84; discover vibrant communities of ancient sponges and corals.
ROV SuBastian / Schmidt Ocean InstituteDeep-sea coral at a depth of 1200 metres
The text in this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Images, including our videos, are Copyright ©University of Cambridge and licensors/contributors as identified. All rights reserved. We make our image and video content available in a number of ways – on our main website under its Terms and conditions, and on a range of channels including social media that permit your use and sharing of our content under their respective Terms.
Thriving Antarctic ecosystems found following iceberg calving
An international team of scientists have uncovered a thriving underwater ecosystem off the coast of Antarctica that had never before been accessible to humans.
The team, including researchers from the University of Cambridge, were working in the Bellingshausen Sea off the coast of Antarctica when a massive iceberg broke away from the George VI Ice Shelf in January of this year.
The team, on board Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor (too), changed their plans and reached the newly exposed seafloor 12 days later, becoming the first to investigate the area.
Their expedition was the first detailed study of the geology, physical oceanography, and biology beneath such a large area once covered by a floating ice shelf. The A-84 iceberg was approximately 510 square kilometres (209 square miles) in size, and revealed an equivalent area of seafloor when it broke away from the ice shelf.
"We seized upon the moment, changed our expedition plan, and went for it so we could look at what was happening in the depths below," said expedition co-chief scientist Dr Patricia Esquete from the University of Aveiro, Portugal. "We didn't expect to find such a beautiful, thriving ecosystem. Based on the size of the animals, the communities we observed have been there for decades, maybe even hundreds of years.”
Using Schmidt Ocean Institute’s remotely operated vehicle, ROV SuBastian, the team observed the deep seafloor for eight days and found flourishing ecosystems at depths as great as 1300 meters.
Their observations include large corals and sponges supporting an array of animal life, including icefish, giant sea spiders, and octopus. The discovery offers new insights into how ecosystems function beneath floating sections of the Antarctic ice sheet.
Little is known about what lies beneath Antarctica’s floating ice shelves. In 2021, British Antarctic Survey researchers first reported signs of bottom-dwelling life beneath the Filchner-Ronne ice shelf in the Southern Weddell Sea. The current expedition was the first to use an ROV to explore this remote environment.
The team was surprised by the significant biomass and biodiversity of the ecosystems and suspect they have discovered several new species.
Deep-sea ecosystems typically rely on nutrients from the surface slowly raining down to the seafloor. However, these Antarctic ecosystems have been covered by 150-meter-thick ice for centuries, completely cut off from surface nutrients. Ocean currents also move nutrients, and the team hypothesizes that currents are a possible mechanism for sustaining life beneath the ice sheet. The precise mechanism fuelling these ecosystems is not yet understood.
The newly exposed Antarctic seafloor also allowed the team, with scientists from Portugal, the United Kingdom, Chile, Germany, Norway, New Zealand, and the United States, to gather critical data on the past behaviour of the larger Antarctic ice sheet. The ice sheet has been shrinking and losing mass over the last few decades due to climate change.
“The ice loss from the Antarctic Ice Sheet is a major contributor to sea level rise worldwide,” said expedition co-chief scientist Sasha Montelli of University College London (UCL). “Our work is critical for providing longer-term context of these recent changes, improving our ability to make projections of future change — projections that can inform actionable policies. We will undoubtedly make new discoveries as we continue to analyse this data.”
“We were thrilled by the opportunity to explore the newly exposed seafloor,” said team member Dr Svetlana Radionovskaya from Cambridge’s Department of Earth Sciences. “The research will provide key insights into ice sheet dynamics, oceanography and sub-ice shelf ecosystems. At a time when the West Antarctic Ice Sheet is melting at an alarming rate, understanding these dynamics and their impacts is crucial.”
In addition to collecting biological and geological samples, the team used autonomous underwater vehicles called gliders to study the impacts of glacial meltwater on the region's physical and chemical properties. Preliminary data suggest high biological productivity and a strong meltwater flow from the George VI ice shelf.
The expedition was part of Challenger 150, a global cooperative focused on deep-sea biological research and endorsed by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC/UNESCO) as an Ocean Decade Action.
“The science team was originally in this remote region to study the seafloor and ecosystem at the interface between ice and sea,” said Schmidt Ocean Institute Executive Director, Dr Jyotika Virmani. “Being right there when this iceberg calved from the ice shelf presented a rare scientific opportunity. Serendipitous moments are part of the excitement of research at sea – they offer the chance to be the first to witness the untouched beauty of our world.”
Svetlana Radionovskaya is a Junior Research Fellow at Queens’ College, Cambridge.
Adapted from a media release by the Schmidt Ocean Institute.
Scientists explore a seafloor area newly exposed by iceberg A-84; discover vibrant communities of ancient sponges and corals.
ROV SuBastian / Schmidt Ocean InstituteDeep-sea coral at a depth of 1200 metres
The text in this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Images, including our videos, are Copyright ©University of Cambridge and licensors/contributors as identified. All rights reserved. We make our image and video content available in a number of ways – on our main website under its Terms and conditions, and on a range of channels including social media that permit your use and sharing of our content under their respective Terms.
Listen to the hidden music of minerals and crystals
A Cambridge earth scientist and a data sonification expert from Anglia Ruskin University are transforming mineral data into music for the public to enjoy at the Cambridge Festival. By converting microscope images of minerals into musical compositions, Dr Carrie Soderman from Cambridge and Dr Domenico Vincinanza from Anglia...