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  • Volcanic Unrest in Hawaii and Alaska: Geologists Monitor Critical Minerals and Global Geological Shifts

    Volcanic Unrest in Hawaii and Alaska: Geologists Monitor Critical Minerals and Global Geological Shifts
    Dec 6 2025
    In the United States, geologists are closely watching Hawaii, where the US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports renewed inflation and gas driven tremor beneath the summit of Kilauea volcano on the Island of Hawaii. According to the observatorys December 5 daily update, lava remains visible in both the north and south vents within Halemaumau crater, with vigorous spattering and gushing gas flames indicating magma standing high in the conduit, and models suggest the next eruptive fountain episode, numbered thirty eight in the current sequence, is likely to begin between December six and eight. A December two monitoring overflight documented incandescent lava deep in the north vent and bright yellow native sulfur deposits forming around the vents as sulfur rich gases cool at the surface, underscoring the intense degassing that continues even between major outbursts, as shown in video released by the survey this week.

    Farther north in Alaska, the US Geological Survey and Volcano Discovery report that Great Sitkin volcano in the Aleutian arc continues its low level eruption, with slow lava effusion building a thick lava dome in the summit crater and occasional small explosions sending ash a short distance from the vent, a reminder that the North Pacific remains one of the most volcanically active air routes on Earth. These parallel activities at Kilauea and Great Sitkin fit into a broader global pattern summarized in the most recent Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program weekly report, which lists twenty nine volcanoes worldwide with confirmed eruptions in the week ending December two, including frequently active systems such as Etna in Italy, Merapi in Indonesia, and Popocatepetl in Mexico, demonstrating that roughly forty to fifty volcanoes are typically in intermittent eruption at any given time.

    Beyond active volcanism, new research emerging this week in outlets such as Science Daily highlights how ancient geological records inform present day hazards. One study uses three point three billion year old zircon crystals to show that Earths early crust and mantle were far more dynamic than once thought, implying that modern style plate tectonics and the recycling of crustal material began very early in our planets history, which helps explain why todays continents host rich ore deposits, geothermal systems, and long lived fault zones. In the American Southwest, recent Geological Society of America communications on land subsidence in Arizonas Willcox Basin, driven by intensive groundwater withdrawal, are resonating with current concerns over how human activity is reshaping the geology of arid regions, effectively lowering land surfaces and subtly altering local seismic and flooding risk.

    In New Mexico, New Mexico Tech announced on December three that it and the state Bureau of Geology have received a two point five million dollar United States Department of Energy grant to establish a research hub for critical minerals, reflecting a strategic shift in United States geoscience toward locating, characterizing, and responsibly extracting elements like lithium, rare earth elements, and copper that are essential for renewable energy technologies and national security. Mining News North reports that United States Geological Survey leadership is simultaneously championing domestic exploration for these critical minerals, pointing to a newly updated 2025 national critical minerals list that now includes sixty minerals and materials considered vital to the economy and defense, a move that ties subsurface mapping, structural geology, and geochemistry directly to energy transition policy.

    Internationally, the Geological Society of London and partners hosted an early December conference on the global challenge of sand mining, emphasizing that sand, after water, is the planets most used resource and that unregulated extraction from rivers and coasts is reshaping landscapes, accelerating erosion, and altering sediment delivery to deltas. At the same time, upcoming meetings like the International Conference on Geology and Climate Change in Bukhara, Uzbekistan and the American Geophysical Unions annual gathering in New Orleans underscore how geologists are increasingly focused on how Earth processes, from volcanoes to groundwater depletion, interact with climate change, infrastructure, and resource demand, with research in the United States providing a significant share of the data and models guiding that global conversation.

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    5 min
  • Heightened Volcanic Activity and Shifting Subsurface Dynamics Across the United States

    Heightened Volcanic Activity and Shifting Subsurface Dynamics Across the United States
    Nov 29 2025
    Recent geological events across the United States reveal heightened volcanic activity and significant shifts in Earth's subsurface dynamics. Hawaii's Kilauea volcano remains at the center of attention, with Episode 37 of its ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption beginning on November 25th. The eruption features sustained lava fountains approximately 400 feet in height erupting from the north vent, with fountain heights increasing rapidly. According to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, past episodes have produced incandescent lava fountains exceeding 1000 feet high that generate eruptive plumes reaching 20,000 feet above ground level. The observatory noted that winds are blowing from the northeast direction, suggesting volcanic gas emissions and material may distribute toward the southwest. Seismic tremor increased significantly before this episode began, and summit tilt switched from inflation to deflation. The aviation color code for Kilauea remains at Orange, indicating heightened volcanic activity.

    In the western continental United States, volcano monitoring networks detected important changes at multiple sites. California's monitored volcanoes including Mount Shasta show normal background earthquake activity and deformation patterns. Meanwhile, the Cascade Range experienced a shift when eruptive activity paused following the end of lava fountaining on Tuesday, November 25th. Scientists observed moderate glow from the south vent overnight along with tremor spikes suggesting gas pistoning at depth within the vents.

    Yellowstone Caldera in Wyoming presents a different geological story. According to the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory's November monitoring update, caldera activity remains at background levels with 180 located earthquakes in October, the largest measuring magnitude 3.7. Four distinct earthquake swarms occurred throughout the month, with one swarm near Mammoth Hot Springs producing 42 earthquakes during late October. More significantly, continuous GPS stations recorded the resumption of long-term subsidence in mid-October after the seasonal deformation signal ended. This subsidence has been ongoing since 2015, indicating Yellowstone's continued geological dynamism despite stable surface conditions.

    Beyond the continental United States, an undersea volcano near Oregon shows signs of impending eruption. Axial volcano's surface has ballooned to nearly the same height as it reached before its last eruption in 2015, a sign that magma has accumulated underground and built pressure. Scientists describe this development as a significant forecasting success, with increased seismic activity indicating moving magma beneath the seafloor.

    These concurrent volcanic and seismic events underscore the dynamic nature of North American geology and the critical importance of continued monitoring to understand Earth's evolving subsurface processes.

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    3 min
  • "Mapping Critical Minerals: U.S. Geological Survey's Nationwide Initiative"

    "Mapping Critical Minerals: U.S. Geological Survey's Nationwide Initiative"
    Nov 26 2025
    A major focus in recent United States geology news is the ongoing effort by the United States Geological Survey to better understand the nation’s critical mineral resources. As announced by the US Geological Survey earlier this week, thirteen states including Nevada, Montana, and Minnesota are participating in joint projects to map and inventory minerals found in both current and historic mine wastes. This initiative is designed to secure domestic sources of minerals essential for technology, defense, and energy industries. The United States Geological Survey also released updated assessments of oil and gas reserves in both the Phosphoria Total Petroleum System and the Niobrara Formation, underscoring the significant, still undiscovered energy potential in southwest Wyoming and northwest Colorado, with estimates exceeding a combined six trillion cubic feet of natural gas and more than 700 million barrels of oil.

    Recent headlines are highlighting an extraordinary discovery beneath the Appalachian Mountains. According to ScienceDaily, researchers have identified a colossal heat blob, a remnant of tectonic activity that split Greenland from North America about 80 million years ago, still migrating slowly beneath the United States. This finding offers new insights into the deep geologic history and mantle dynamics of the region, which may help explain seismic and geothermal anomalies observed along the Appalachians.

    In volcanic activity, the United States Geological Survey’s Alaska Volcano Observatory reported continued eruption at Great Sitkin Volcano in Alaska. While no significant ashfall on nearby communities was recorded, this ongoing eruption is closely monitored due to its potential impact on air travel and local ecology. Globally, the Kamchatka Peninsula’s Bezymianny volcano remains highly active, with significant eruptions sending ash plumes several kilometers into the atmosphere, as noted by Volcano Discovery.

    Significant sinking of land continues in Arizona’s Willcox Basin, according to the Geological Society of America. This phenomenon, known as subsidence, is linked to prolonged groundwater extraction and serves as a warning for other arid southwestern regions facing similar stress on aquifers.

    On the international stage, geology communities recently gathered at the International Professional Geology Conference in Spain, focused on advancing geosciences for planetary challenges like resource management and climate change. UNESCO’s General Conference also emphasized the role of geoparks and education in disaster risk reduction.

    Collectively, these new findings emphasize emerging patterns in American geology, including the critical need to balance resource extraction with long-term environmental stability, the importance of international scientific collaboration, and mounting attention to geologic hazards posed by both natural processes and human activity. Insightful advances in mapping deep Earth structures, tracking volcanic and seismic activity, and devising strategies for sustainable mineral exploitation remain central themes shaping the science of geology in the United States and beyond.

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    3 min
  • Volcanic Rumblings, Resource Discoveries, and Glacial Melt: Geology News Highlights Across the United States

    Volcanic Rumblings, Resource Discoveries, and Glacial Melt: Geology News Highlights Across the United States
    Nov 24 2025
    Geology news this week in the United States has been dominated by new volcanic activity, advances in natural resource assessments, and ongoing research on Earth’s dynamic systems. The United States Geological Survey reported that the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii remains active. On November seventeenth, Observatory staff conducted fieldwork inside the closed area of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. They observed fresh evidence of hazards left by the recent episode of vigorous lava fountaining. This activity underlines Kilauea’s status as one of the world’s most closely monitored volcanoes. According to VolcanoDiscovery and the USGS, the eruption continues with intermittent explosive and effusive activity, maintaining elevated risk levels for the region’s inhabitants and park infrastructure.

    Elsewhere, the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program noted that both Kilauea in Hawaii and Great Sitkin in the Aleutian Islands remain in a continuing eruptive state. The Smithsonian points out that globally, forty-four volcanoes are currently classified as in eruption, with approximately twenty showing daily activity at any time. Worldwide, major volcanic events include continuing eruptions at Italy’s Mount Etna, Indonesia’s Semeru and Ibu volcanoes, and Guatemala’s Fuego. These highlight geothermal instability not only in the United States but across volcanic belts worldwide, reflecting persistent geological hazards and research opportunities.

    Beyond volcanoes, resource geology made headlines as the United States Geological Survey announced significant progress in mineral and energy resource assessments. On November twentieth, the USGS revealed new estimates for the Niobrara formation, stretching across southwestern Wyoming and northwestern Colorado. This assessment indicates approximately seven hundred three million barrels of oil and nearly six trillion cubic feet of gas may be undiscovered in this unit. A similar report for the Phosphoria system, also spanning Wyoming and Colorado, details an estimated three million barrels of oil and over six hundred billion cubic feet of gas. These studies reflect the current government and scientific focus on boosting domestic energy and mineral supplies, particularly from older and inactive mine sites.

    Meanwhile, the ongoing melting of glaciers continues to concern geologists worldwide. ScienceDaily describes new findings on how hidden underwater waves, driven by iceberg calving in Greenland, are accelerating glacial melt at an unprecedented rate. Satellite studies further reveal that the Hektoria Glacier in Antarctica underwent the fastest recorded modern ice retreat, demonstrating the rapid sensitivity of ice sheets to oceanic and atmospheric changes.

    November also marked the tenth anniversary of the UNESCO Global Geoparks initiative. As highlighted by the Global Geoparks Network, these parks continue to play a crucial role in conserving the planet’s geological heritage and supporting research, education, and sustainable tourism, both in the United States and globally. The recent developments underscore geology’s vital role in hazard monitoring, resource management, and environmental stewardship, with American scientists and agencies at the forefront of these efforts.

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    5 min
  • Kilauea Volcano Poised for Imminent Eruption as U.S. Geological Activity Intensifies

    Kilauea Volcano Poised for Imminent Eruption as U.S. Geological Activity Intensifies
    Nov 19 2025
    In recent days, geological activity and research in the United States have featured significant developments. According to the United States Geological Survey, Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii remains in a pause phase, but visible gas emissions and summit inflation signal that another episode of fountaining is likely imminently. The current eruption, which has been ongoing since December 2024, has displayed a pattern of episodic lava fountains lasting from a few hours to over a week, with pauses between episodes allowing magma chambers to recharge. Forecasts suggest the next active phase could occur between late November and the final week of the month. On the mainland, the Cascade Range volcanos show similar low-intensity activity, with ongoing glow noted at vents, intermittent slumping at crater rims, and low-level tremors associated with volcanic gas movements. These volcanoes remain under observation due to the possibility of renewed activity.

    The U.S. Geological Survey also highlighted recent seismic activity in the Geysers geothermal region of California, reporting 111 earthquakes above magnitude 1 in the last week, the largest at magnitude 2.9. Meanwhile, Yellowstone Caldera remains at normal background activity levels but continues to subside, reflecting a long-term trend observed since 2015. Deformation measurements indicate the end of the seasonal uplift caused by snowmelt, with subsidence resuming as expected for this time of year.

    Elsewhere in the United States, new assessments of energy resources attract attention. The United States Geological Survey released fresh estimates for the Niobrara Formation and the Phosphoria Petroleum System, concentrated in southwest Wyoming and northwest Colorado. These formations are now estimated to contain 703 million barrels of oil and 5.8 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the Niobrara, along with 666 billion cubic feet of gas and 3 million barrels of oil in the Phosphoria, indicating ongoing interest in domestic resource potential.

    In critical minerals, the U.S. Geological Survey updated its list to include both potassium-rich potash and lithium, reflecting the growing priority of securing domestic supplies for emerging technologies including energy storage and electric vehicles. This update has been welcomed by industry advocates such as American Critical Minerals, who point to the importance of these resources as the United States works toward greater supply independence and renewable energy adoption.

    Internationally, a recent breakthrough in Greenland has shed light on how massive hidden underwater waves are rapidly melting glaciers. A research team used a ten kilometer fiber optic cable to reveal how iceberg calving creates submarine tsunamis, stirring up warm seawater and intensifying glacial melt. The finding highlights the interconnected nature of geological and climate processes, echoing global concerns about rapid change in the polar regions. Meanwhile, the tenth anniversary of the UNESCO Global Geoparks program is being marked, with 229 designated sites worldwide now recognized for their geological, educational, and sustainable tourism value, reinforcing a shared focus on heritage protection and conservation.

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    3 min
  • "Uncovering America's Critical Mineral Needs: Geologists Tackle Supply Chain Challenges"

    "Uncovering America's Critical Mineral Needs: Geologists Tackle Supply Chain Challenges"
    Nov 15 2025
    In recent days, geology in the United States has taken the spotlight with the U.S. Geological Survey publishing its final 2025 list of critical minerals on November sixth. This list identifies sixty minerals deemed essential for the nation’s economy and security, with a focus on potential supply chain disruptions. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, new additions to the list include boron, copper, lead, metallurgical coal, phosphate, potash, rhenium, silicon, silver, and uranium. The update reflects new data, feedback, and changing industrial and geopolitical needs. Mineral security has become increasingly significant as rare earth elements, vital for smartphones, hard drives, and advanced defense systems, continue to be largely imported.

    This renewed attention on critical minerals comes as researchers highlight the need to develop more domestic sources and reduce dependency on imports. The U.S. Geological Survey emphasizes that rare earth elements could cause the highest cost to the American economy if their supply is disrupted. American Critical Minerals, an industry group, welcomed the inclusion of potash and lithium due to their importance for fertilizers and batteries.

    Continuing in geological developments, the summit eruption at Kīlauea in Hawaii remains active. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported that by November thirteenth, the eruption had reached thirty-six episodes of lava fountaining since it began in December of last year. These ongoing volcanic events allow scientists to study eruption dynamics and gas emissions, informing not only local hazard assessments but also global models of volcanic activity.

    Elsewhere, landmark geology research was highlighted in reports from ScienceDaily. On November fourteenth, researchers in Greenland used advanced fiber-optic technology to track how iceberg calving produces hidden underwater waves. These waves rapidly melt glacier faces and are reshaping our understanding of ice loss and rising sea levels. Meanwhile, scientists in Antarctica recently analyzed six million-year-old ice, providing the oldest direct record of Earth’s ancient atmosphere and climate. This discovery details dramatic cooling trends and offers vital clues to greenhouse gas variations over the ages.

    Seismic activity continues to be a pressing topic. ScienceDaily notes new research into the triggers of earthquakes in regions once thought stable, such as Utah. Studies reveal that long-dormant faults may reactivate due to natural processes and human activities. In the Pacific Northwest, seismic data show the oceanic plate breaking into fragments, forming microplates and suggesting a slow, stepwise collapse of the subduction zone. This could have implications for earthquake preparedness and hazard estimation throughout the American West.

    Internationally, geologists gathered in Zaragoza, Spain from November fifth to seventh for the fifth International Professional Geology Conference. Attendees discussed pressing challenges, including geological hazards, mineral sustainability, and professional development. This global knowledge exchange highlights the interconnected nature of geoscience, as the United States and other nations respond to evolving resource risks and natural hazards.

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    3 min
  • Revolutionizing Earth's Dynamics: Groundbreaking Geological Findings and Critical Mineral Insights

    Revolutionizing Earth's Dynamics: Groundbreaking Geological Findings and Critical Mineral Insights
    Nov 13 2025
    Recent developments in geology reveal significant findings about Earth's dynamic systems and critical mineral resources. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported that Episode 36 of the ongoing Halemaʻumaʻu eruption at Kīlauea ended on November 9 after approximately five hours of high lava fountains. The south vent produced fountains reaching about 1,200 feet in height while the north vent reached approximately 750 feet. Following the eruption, scientists observed only minor glow from the south vent overnight, with both vents fuming the next morning. Sulfur dioxide emissions remained at background levels between 1,200 and 1,500 tonnes per day. Observatory analysis suggests the next eruptive episode is at least a week away, with more than one week likely before fountaining resumes based on the amount of deflation observed during this episode. The current eruption, which began on December 23, 2024, has been characterized by episodic lava fountaining not observed in any eruptions since the 1983 to 1986 episodic fountains at the beginning of the Puʻuʻōʻō eruption.

    On the national minerals front, the U.S. Geological Survey released an updated critical minerals list on November 6. Uranium has been reinstated to the list after being excluded from the 2022 version, bringing the total number of critical minerals to 60. This reinstatement reflects growing nuclear energy demands in the United States. Meanwhile, researchers have identified a significant issue with American resource management. Scientists discovered that the United States already mines all the critical minerals needed for energy, defense, and technology, yet most are being discarded as mine tailings. Minerals including cobalt, germanium, and rare earth elements are lost in massive amounts during mining operations.

    Additional research published in recent weeks revealed new insights into continental geology. Scientists discovered that continents do not merely split at their surfaces but also peel from below, feeding volcanic activity in oceans. Simulations demonstrate that slow mantle waves strip continental roots and push them deep into oceanic regions, explaining previously mysterious patterns of volcanic activity.

    International geological conferences are convening this month to address these discoveries and other pressing concerns. The 14th World Conference on Earth Science and Geology is taking place November 13 and 14 in Paris, France, bringing together geologists and earth scientists to discuss climate change, environmental science, and advanced technologies for addressing geological hazards. These converging developments underscore how Earth's geological systems continue to reshape our understanding of planetary processes while presenting both challenges and opportunities for resource management and hazard mitigation.

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    3 min
  • "Copper Joins Critical Minerals List: Driving U.S. Resource Independence and Geologic Advancements"

    "Copper Joins Critical Minerals List: Driving U.S. Resource Independence and Geologic Advancements"
    Nov 8 2025
    In the United States this week, the field of geology saw significant developments tied both to natural phenomena and mineral resource policy. The U.S. Geological Survey has added copper to its official 2025 Critical Minerals List, which now totals sixty minerals considered essential to national security and infrastructure. This move, highlighted by American Pacific Mining and reported by the U.S. Geological Survey, is expected to spur new investment and streamline permitting for domestic copper projects. The policy shift directly targets reducing reliance on foreign sources for key metals used in energy, technology, and defense, with copper joining lithium, silver, zinc, and others as priorities for strengthened domestic supply chains. The U.S. government has already launched four new funding initiatives totaling nearly $1 billion and has begun making direct equity investments in large-scale mining projects, such as a five percent stake in the Thacker Pass lithium project in Nevada. Industry experts expect these policy changes to create positive momentum for U.S.-based operations in regions such as Montana and Alaska, where major copper-gold projects could help meet the growing demand for this versatile metal.

    Meanwhile, in Hawaii, the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory maintained continuous monitoring of Kilauea Volcano, despite a lapse in federal appropriations. According to the latest daily update, overflows of degassed lava from the north vent persisted during the past twenty-four hours and inflation at the summit continued at a slow rate, suggesting the onset of a new eruptive episode may be imminent between November 8 and 11. These volcanic dynamics underscore the ongoing importance of real-time geological monitoring in hazard preparedness, especially as regional populations and critical infrastructure remain potentially at risk from changes in volcanic behavior.

    On the research front, an international breakthrough came from a team working in Antarctica, where scientists have discovered six-million-year-old ice. As reported by ScienceDaily, this ancient ice represents the oldest direct record yet of Earth's atmosphere and climate, providing invaluable data about the planet’s geologic and environmental history in the deep past. These findings further highlight the role geology plays not only in resource management and hazard mitigation, but also in decoding the climatic narrative of our planet.

    Internationally, the 5th International Professional Geology Conference just concluded in Zaragoza, Spain, focusing on technological advancements and the future of geological practice, while the upcoming 14th World Conference on Earth Science and Geology in Paris will emphasize sustainable resource management and environmental innovation. As these global gatherings and domestic policy shifts illustrate, geology continues to adapt and expand its reach—bridging scientific discovery, resource security, and international collaboration.

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    3 min