News

Photo of lava flowing from volcano in evening

Deep earthquakes reveal roots of Iceland’s eruptions

26 May 2022

Tiny earthquakes, originating deep within Earth’s crust, could help scientists trace how magma moves beneath Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula — notable for its dramatic lava fountains of 2021 and continued unrest. Cambridge Earth Science’s Tim Greenfield, who is presenting today at EGU , has analysed records of these barely-...

Neil Davies recognized with Johannes Walther Medal for outstanding efforts in sedimentology

24 May 2022

The International Association of Sedimentologist (IAS) has named Cambridge Earth Science’s Dr Neil Davies as the recipient of the Johannes Walther Award. This important award is given every two years to a scientist who is considered to have made a major impact in the field of sedimentology. The award recognizes Neil’s...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Explore the Sedgwick Museum's Two Islands Exhibit

10 May 2022

Photo of new lab instrument with computer screen

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...

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...

Deep earthquakes reveal roots of Iceland’s eruptions

Neil Davies recognized with Johannes Walther Medal for outstanding efforts in sedimentology

Dynamics of ocean worlds likely linked to topography, suggest model simulations

Project spotlight: LASER-ENVI environmental facility

Puzzling features deep in Earth’s interior illuminated by high resolution imaging

PhD student explores how green mining can help us reach net zero

Cambridge’s global reputation in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences recognised in REF 2021

Explore the Sedgwick Museum's Two Islands Exhibit

New electron microprobe installed in microanalysis lab

Earth Clinic: raising awareness of Earth’s changing climate

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