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Department of Earth Sciences

 
Read more at: Dynamics of ocean worlds likely linked to topography, suggest model simulations
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Dynamics of ocean worlds likely linked to topography, suggest model simulations

24 May 2022

Model results presented at this year’s EGU Geophysical Assembly show how the topography of a planet is a key factor determining if it will have oceans of water on or just below its surface, or whether it will be a barren desert. Scientists describe Earth as an ocean world – it is the only known astronomical body to host...


Read more at: Project spotlight: LASER-ENVI environmental facility
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Project spotlight: LASER-ENVI environmental facility

23 May 2022

A new Cambridge-based project, led by earth scientist Dr Sasha Turchyn , will create a dedicated hub for research into greenhouse gases related to natural and human-induced climate change. Turchyn was awarded a NERC Capital Grant for the LASER-ENVI project, which will use lab-based and field-deployable laser spectrometers...


Read more at: Puzzling features deep in Earth’s interior illuminated by high resolution imaging
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Puzzling features deep in Earth’s interior illuminated by high resolution imaging

18 May 2022

New research led by the University of Cambridge is the first to take a detailed snapshot of an unusual pocket of rock at the boundary layer with Earth’s core, some three thousand kilometres beneath the surface. The enigmatic area of rock, which is located almost directly beneath the Hawaiian Islands, is one of several...


Read more at: PhD student explores how green mining can help us reach net zero
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PhD student explores how green mining can help us reach net zero

16 May 2022

In a new article published in Geoscientist Magazine, Olivia Hogg - a PhD student in our Department - explores how metal deposits around volcanoes could pave the way for a more sustainable future. Olivia is in her second year of research; investigating how metals are released from volcanoes and the processes involved in ore...


Read more at: Cambridge’s global reputation in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences recognised in REF 2021
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Cambridge’s global reputation in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences recognised in REF 2021

12 May 2022

The results from the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF) have highlighted the global impact of Cambridge’s research in the field of Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences. The Times Higher Education ranked Cambridge first for Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences in REF 2021. 73% of Cambridge’s overall...


Read more at: Explore the Sedgwick Museum's Two Islands Exhibit

Explore the Sedgwick Museum's Two Islands Exhibit

10 May 2022


Read more at: New electron microprobe installed in microanalysis lab
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New electron microprobe installed in microanalysis lab

27 April 2022

In September 2021 the Department took delivery of a new electron microprobe: a powerful, non-destructive technique that measures the chemical composition of wide-ranging solid materials. Microprobe analysis has been a central analytical tool in Earth Sciences for decades. The upgraded electron source will allow for...


Read more at: Earth Clinic: raising awareness of Earth’s changing climate
Graphic showing the Earth Clinic logo: one happy, one sad Earth

Earth Clinic: raising awareness of Earth’s changing climate

25 April 2022

On Saturday 23 rd April the Sedgwick Museum and Department of Earth Sciences hosted their first joint family event in celebration of Earth Day. The Earth Clinic explored what scientists are doing to understand and help our changing planet — as well as empowering young people to make informed decisions on environmental...


Read more at: Researcher spotlight: Prof Helen Williams
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Researcher spotlight: Prof Helen Williams

5 April 2022

Prof Helen Williams joined the Department of Earth Sciences in 2016 and is currently Professor of Geochemistry. She reflects on her life and work with Erin Martin-Jones. Why are you interested in Earth’s interior? What really fascinates me is how the chemistry of Earth’s interior has changed over time. The surface we live...


Read more at: Dense bones allowed Spinosaurus to hunt underwater

Dense bones allowed Spinosaurus to hunt underwater

23 March 2022

Spinosaurus is the biggest carnivorous dinosaur ever discovered—even bigger than T. rex —but the way it hunted has been a subject of debate for decades. Based on its skeleton, some scientists have proposed that Spinosaurus could swim, but others believe that it waded in the water like a heron. To help solve this mystery...