As part of our Blog Competition 2013 we asked you to submit your favourite photos of geoscience in action. Rick Wall, who has just completed a PhD in volcanology at UCL, entered this image from his field work in Alaska. The entry was highly commended by our judging panel. The photo shows the location of the 1912 Novarupta eruption in Katmai, Alaska. This eruption produced about ∼30 cubic ki ...[Read More]
Friday Photo (100): Road Disappearing Under Wind-Blown Sand
Maintaining roads in remote mountainous areas is no easy task, especially in the face of active geological processes. Here wind blown sand is covering a road, making it impassable. (c) Geology for Global Development 2013
Friday Photo (99) – Fitting Life Around Geology
Geology exerts a strong control on landscape, agriculture and infrastructure in Ladakh, India. Here the road (left hand side) is cut into softer glacial moraines, rather than the igneous and metamorphic bedrock. Agriculture is centered on alluvial material from a river predominantly fed by glacial meltwater. (c) Geology for Global Development 2013
Friday Photo (98) – Hydroelectric Energy in Ladakh
Hydroelectric power plants are being developed across the Himalayas. Here, a small-scale system is used to store energy during times of peak supply from other sources, and deliver energy during times of peak demand. This system relies on the shuttling of river water (seen in the background) between different elevations. (c) Geology for Global Development 2013
Friday Photo (97): Solar Power in Ladakh
Energy resources are a key issue in the mountainous Ladakh Region of India – all oil has to be imported by lorry over windy mountain passes that are often blocked by landslides. Any methods by which Ladakh can produce its own energy are very welcome. Solar panels can provide a significant amount of energy during the summer, but they are expensive and difficult to maintain due to the high lev ...[Read More]
Friday Photo (96): Landslides on the Jammu-Srinigar Highway
Professors from Jammu University assess a landslide on the edge of the Jammu-Srinigar Highway. This essential supply route links the mountainous Himalayan Region up with the rest of Jammu & Kashmir State. Landslides are a common problem along this busy road, used by lorries, business and the military, as well as forming part of an important pilgrimage route . (c) Geology for Global Development ...[Read More]
Friday Photo (95) – Environmental Campaign in Jammu, India
“Keep Jammu Clean and Green” Signs like this are visible around Jammu & Kashmir State as part of a widespread environmental awareness campaign. Other slogans include ‘somebody is sitting in the shade today, because somebody planted a tree a long time ago’ and ‘My Earth, my duty’. (c) Geology for Global Development 2013
Friday Photo (94) – Department of Geology, Jammu University
The Department of Geology at Jammu University, India (India’s second oldest University), as observed by Rosalie Tostevin (GfGD’s Deputy Communications Officer) during her recent reconnaissance trip. Rosalie is visiting key sites to help GfGD prepare for its contribution to the ‘Sustainable Development in the Himalayas’ Conference – organised by the Geological Society. ...[Read More]
Friday Photo (93): Volcanic Damage in Japan
A school that was damaged by pyroclastic flows during the 1991-1993 eruption of Mt Unzen in Japan. In the background is the volcano, about 3.5 km from the summit. Credit: Rick Wall (c) Geology for Global Development
Friday Photo (92): Working on Mount Etna
GPS and leveling on Mt Etna with Dr John Murray from the Open University. Credit: Rick Wall (c) Geology for Global Development 2013