EGU Scientific Divisions

Imaggeo on Mondays: Why does a Norwegian glacier look blue?

Kay Helfricht October 24, 2016

Blue Svartisen . Credit: Kay Helfricht (distributed via imaggeo.egu.eu)

This picture shows the outlet glacier Engabreen running down from the plateau of Svartisen in Norway. Svartisen ice cap comprises two glacier systems of which the Vestre (western) Svartisen is Norway’s second largest glacier. Located right at the polar circle, Svartisen covers a total of 369 km² of the Nordland region. These coastal mountains accumulate a snowpack of 5-7 m depth through the winter ...[Read More]

Imaggeo on Mondays: The odd ‘living’ rocks

Laura Roberts-Artal October 17, 2016

Huepac stromatolites . Credit: Hugo Beraldi (distributed via imaggeo.egu.eu)

Microbialites – structures which result from the interaction between microbes and sediments – have existed in the rock record since 3700 Ma ago until the present day. The presence of microbes in environments where mineral precipitation is prevalent, usually derives in the development of such chemical sedimentary structures. This can take place in marine, non-marine, and subterranean environm ...[Read More]

Imaggeo on Mondays: recording the Earth’s magnetic field one grain at a time

Laura Roberts-Artal October 10, 2016

Titanomagnetite grain . Credit: Firoz Kadar Badesab (distributed via imaggeo.egu.eu)

The Earth’s magnetic field extends from the core of the planet, right out to space. It is an invisible, butterfly-like, shield which protects us against the harmful particles ejected by solar flares. In addition, it guards us from atmospheric erosion and water loss caused by solar wind. But how do scientists study the Earth’s magnetic field when it can’t be see? Much of what is known results from ...[Read More]

Geosciences column: Making aurora photos taken by ISS astronauts useful for research

Laura Roberts-Artal October 7, 2016

Northern lights appeared over Murphy Dome, Alaska. Credit: Taro Nakai (distributed via imaggeo.egu.eu)

It’s a clear night, much like any other, except that billions of kilometers away the Sun has gone into overdrive and (hours earlier) hurled a mass of charged particles, including protons, electrons and atoms towards the Earth. As the electrons slam into the upper reaches of the atmosphere, the night sky explodes into a spectacular display of dancing lights: aurora. Aurora remain shrouded in myste ...[Read More]