Read the latest news about research conducted by investigators in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. Our faculty and students are continually advancing technology, creating solutions and expanding knowledge with new and innovative research.
Forest soils release more carbon dioxide than expected in rainy season
Current carbon cycle models may underestimate the amount of carbon dioxide released from the soil during rainy seasons in temperate forests like those found in the northeast United States, according to Penn State researchers.
Researchers track dust pollution, health to spot dangers in West Africa
Comparing dust simulations and health data for Senegal, an international team of researchers found dust to be responsible for poor air quality, which is followed by a rise in poor health outcomes.
New WPSU podcast highlights Penn State researchers' work, community impact
A new podcast that highlights the work of Penn State researchers and how their findings impact communities near and far is now available through central Pennsylvania’s public media station.
Penn State receives five-year $3.7 million grant to study virus evolution
The evolution of viruses will be the focus of a five-year $3.7 million dollar grant from the National Science Foundation’s new program on convergence research, to an interdisciplinary team led by Penn State.
Sediment loading key to predicting post-wildfire debris flows 59
The mudslides that follow wildfires in Southern California can be deadly and difficult to predict. New research can help officials identify areas prone to these mudslides and respond before disaster occurs, according to scientists.
Shelter, safest air intake locations during urban pollution events identified
Roofs and the downwind sides of buildings in street canyons have the lowest levels of particulate matter during a single-source pollution event, according to Penn State researchers.
Department of Energy grant powers research on natural-gas vehicle storage tanks
Penn State researchers seek to overcome hurdles in natural-gas vehicle storage by creating a less expensive and more efficient storage system with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Meteorites reveal high carbon dioxide levels on early Earth
Iron micrometeorites found in ancient soils suggest carbon dioxide made up 25 to 50 percent of Earth’s atmosphere 2.7 billion years ago, and that pressure at sea level may have been lower than today, Penn State researchers said.
Method detects defects in 2D materials for future electronics, sensors
A team of researchers has developed a technique to quickly and sensitively characterize defects in 2D materials like those that could be used by the semiconductor industry.
Airborne measurements point to low EPA methane estimates in south central US
Approximately twice as much methane is seeping into the atmosphere than the Environmental Protection Agency estimates from oil and gas facilities in the south central U.S., according to a series of measurements taken by meteorologists using NASA aircraft.