2019 Research Roundup

It has been another great year for research at the Jackson School of Geosciences! Learn more about some of our top 2019 research hits.

 

1. Scientists Find Eternal Nile To Be More Ancient Than Previously Thought

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The Nile River in Cairo, Egypt. University of Texas at Austin scientists have found that the river is about six times older than previously thought. Credit: Nina R.

2. Seismic Monitoring Program Links Some West Texas Earthquakes to Hydraulic Fracturing

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Reference locations for seismic events detected in the Delaware Basin study area (dots colored by depth), Delaware Basin study area (rectangle), county lines (gray lines), and TexNet seismic monitoring stations (black dots).

3. Elaborate Komodo Dragon Armor Defends Against Other Dragons

A CT-scan of a Komodo dragon head that was created in the UTCT facility. Credit: Jackson School of Geosciences.

4. Ancient “Texas Serengeti” Had Elephant-Like Animals, Rhinos, Alligators and More

N.american Fauna
An artist’s interpretation of ancient North American fauna. The new study led by The University of Texas at Austin Jackson School of Geosciences revealed that elephant-like gomphotheres, rhinos, horses and antelopes with slingshot-shaped horns were among the species recovered near Beeville, Texas, by Great Depression-era fossil hunters. Jay Matternes/ The Smithsonian Institution

5. Complex Geology Contributed to Deepwater Horizon Disaster, New Study Finds

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A new study from the UT Jackson School of Geosciences looks at the complex geology that contributed to the Deepwater Horizon disaster. Photo: U.S. Coast Guard.

6. Storm Water Banking Could Help Texas Manage Floods and Droughts

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The Llano River flooding. Research led by The University of Texas Jackson School of Geosciences has found that collecting high flows from major rivers across the state and storing them in underground aquifers could help mitigate flooding risks and build up water supplies to be used in times of drought. Credit: Jonathan Cutrer

7. Research shows ramping up carbon capture could be key to mitigating climate change

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graphic illustrating the concept of carbon capture and storage. Credit: SETIS.

8. Massive Martian Ice Discovery Opens a Window into Red Planet’s History

Perspective View Of Chasma Boreale
A vertically exaggerated view of Mars’ north polar cap. Researchers with The University of Texas at Austin and the University of Arizona estimate that if melted, the massive ice deposits discovered in this region would cover the planet in 1.5 meters (5 feet) of water. Credit: SA/DLR/FU Berlin; NASA MGS MOLA Science Team

9. Rocks at Asteroid Impact Site Record First Day of Dinosaur Extinction

Asteroid Impact
An artist’s interpretation of the asteroid impact that wiped out all non-avian dinosaurs. Credit: NASA/Don Davis.

 

10. Evolution Imposes “Speed Limit” on Recovery after Mass Extinctions

An asteroid impact 66 million years ago wiped out most life across the planet. A new study has found evidence for a diverse array of plankton and microorganisms inhabiting the crater only a few years after the extinction-causing impact. The three hair-covered forms (left) represent species of plankton found inside the crater. The geometric form (bottom left) is a species of algae. The University of Texas at Austin Jackson School of Geosciences/John Maisano

 

 

For more information, contact: Anton Caputo, Jackson School of Geosciences, 512-232-9623; Monica Kortsha, Jackson School of Geosciences, 512-471-2241.