geosociety

A new study in #Geology uncovers evidence that massive undersea volcanic eruptions—marine large igneous provinces (LIPs)—may have been a major, underrecognized driver of extinction throughout Earth’s history. By analyzing fragments of ancient ocean crust now preserved in the Himalayas, researchers identified multiple Triassic-aged supereruptions (∼250–248 Ma, 233–231 Ma, and 210–208 Ma) and linked them to repeated marine extinction events driven by widespread ocean anoxia and climate disruption. Because oceanic crust is constantly recycled, much of this evidence has been hidden until now. This work suggests that many of the extinction events in the geologic record may be tied to these “missing” seafloor catastrophes. This research is gaining traction in main stream media, including a feature in Science—read the original paper here: geosociety.co/Fan_et_al #MassExtinctions #Volcanism #Paleoclimate

Did you know? Pixar’s newest film, Hoppers, didn’t just rely on imagination; real scientists were brought in to help ensure the film reflected real-world ecology. 🦫 One of those scientists, Dr. Emily Fairfax, is also an author in GSA Special Paper 562. Her research explores how beavers shape riverscapes and help reduce wildfire impacts—an important real-world connection to the ecosystems featured in the film. Dive into Dr. Fairfax’s open-access chapter, “Impacts of beaver dams on riverscape burn severity during megafires in the Rocky Mountain region, western United States,” and discover how beaver-built ecosystems can increase wildfire resilience while supporting biodiversity, including benefits for people. 🔗 Learn more: geosociety.co/beavers #GSAPubs #Hoppers #Pixar #Geoscience #Beavers #FireMitigation

Dreaming of your ultimate geology adventure? The GSA J. David Lowell Field Camp Scholarship can make it happen! Apply now for a chance to get up to $3,000 toward the field camp of your choice, plus, thanks to Brunton, receive a brand-new engraved Orange Standard Transit. 📅 Deadline: 10 April 2026 🌍 Open to undergraduate students worldwide Build your skills, confidence, and community in the field. Don’t miss this chance to launch your geoscience career! 🔗 Learn more: geosociety.co/Lowell-Scholar… #undergradscholarship #undergraduate #fieldwork #geology #scholarships

How do rivers actually shape our planet—at a global scale? A new study published in GSA Today is changing the way scientists answer that question—using data from NASA’s SWOT satellite to track how rivers erode, transport sediment, and reshape landscapes across Earth. Traditionally, studying rivers meant detailed (but localized) fieldwork. Now, this research shows how we can monitor river dynamics worldwide—from shifting channels and sediment transport to knickpoints, floods, and even dam failures—all in near real time. In this new era of fluvial geomorphology where we can connect local river processes to global patterns, we can also better understand risks to infrastructure, ecosystems, and communities. This work is already gaining broader attention and has been featured in MSN and Yahoo News—but the full story and the science behind it starts with the original paper: geosociety.co/Stroud_et_al #NASA #RemoteSensing #Geomorphology

New award opportunity for outstanding mid-career geoscientists! The 50 Under 50 Award is a joint initiative by the Geological Society of America (GSA), the Geological Association of Canada (GAC), and the Sociedad Geológica Mexicana (SGM), that will recognize impactful geoscientists across North America whose work is shaping the future of Earth science. Up to 50 geoscientists under the age of 50 will be recognized each year for their scientific excellence, meaningful service to the geoscience community, and strong mentorship of students and peers. Awardees will be highlighted by the societies and invited to participate in special sessions and activities at upcoming meetings, helping elevate their work and expand their professional visibility. Self-nominate or nominate a colleague: geosociety.co/50-Under-50 Deadline: 18 May 2026 #GeoscienceAward #GSA #GAC #SGM

Don't miss early registration rates and travel grant opportunities for the 2026 Rocky Mountain Section Meeting. Plan ahead and join peers this May for regionally focused science, in-person conversations, and field-area insights you won’t get anywhere else. Present your work, grow your network, and be part of your local geoscience community. 🗓️ Deadline: 16 April 🔗 Start planning: geosociety.co/RM2026

EarthCache Spotlight: Golden Gate Bridge, California, United States The Golden Gate’s towering span rests on the complex geology of the Mesozoic Franciscan Formation—faulted chert to the north and debated serpentinite bedrock to the south. Here, strong currents scour away soft Bay Mud, exposing firmer foundations for the bridge’s piers. Building the south tower meant enclosing a football-field-sized section of seabed, pouring an underwater concrete fender, and dewatering it to reach bedrock more than 100 feet down—an engineering first in this tidal strait. 📍 Location: California, United States 📊 Difficulty: 1/5 | Terrain: 2/5 🔗 Discover more EarthCaches and start your adventure: geosociety.co/EarthCache #EarthCache #Geology #GoldenGate

The opportunities keep coming. New roles on the GSA Geoscience Job Board include positions in groundwater systems to postdoctoral research. Take a look—your next role could be waiting. 🔎 geosociety.co/JobBoard

Do you have a research idea but need support to make it happen? A GSA 2026 Section Undergraduate Research Grant can fund your project, give you hands-on field or lab experience, and help you bring your research to life. 🔗 Apply now: GeoSociety.co/Undergrad_Gran… 🎯 Deadline: 10 April #UndergradGrants #ResearchGrants #Geology

Free travel. Mentorship. Community. The On To the Future® (OTF) program helps make GSA Connects 2026 possible—with funding, exclusive events, and a built-in network of peers and mentors ready to support your journey. If you’re ready to grow your career and show up with curiosity, this is your moment. ⏰ Deadline: 7 May 🔗 Learn More: geosociety.co/OTF

A successful and collaborative gathering in Hartford is wrapping up as the Northeastern Section Meeting comes to an end after a week of geoscience discovery, mentorship, connection, and inspiration. We are grateful to all the attendees who shared research, participated in discussions, and contributed to this vibrant meeting. From Mentor Luncheons and Career Panels to Movie Night and Map Blast, this meeting brought students and professionals together to form meaningful connections. We extend our deepest thanks to the Local Organizing Committee for their leadership in bringing this event to life.

Attendees at the Northeastern Section Meeting came together for Map Blast on Monday evening, an informal and engaging event exploring the world of geologic maps, digital imaging, and geo-art. 🗺️ Participants shared insights, compared techniques, and sparked conversations at the intersection of science and creativity—making it a standout moment of connection and discovery.

A full day of discovery and professional growth kept the momentum going at the Northeastern Section Meeting in Hartford, Connecticut. Monday featured engaging poster presentations alongside oral technical sessions that helped attendees further helped attendees further their research and exchange new ideas. Career-building workshops and networking events supported professional growth, while geoscience educators connected during the NAGT-E/NE Luncheon. GeoCareers programming continued with the Cover Letters, Résumés & CVs Workshop, the John Mann Mentor Luncheon in Applied Hydrogeology, and the Geology Club Meetup. Throughout the day, attendees networked, explored resources, and browsed books at the GSA Store, continuing conversations that move geoscience forward. Looking to attend a meeting? Learn more: geosociety.org

Congrats to the Northeastern Section winner! This club is advancing to Nationals this April. 🏆 Winner: Colgate University Want to see the winning design in person? Register for GSA Connects 2026 to check out the final tee IRL. Join us: connects.geosociety.org

Another successful day of research, collaboration, and connection at the Northeastern Section Meeting in Hartford! Students and professionals shared their latest research findings in poster and oral presentations, gathered for GeoCareers programs, including workshops and panel discussions, and connected with GSA leadership during the Town Hall. The Roy Shlemon Mentor Lunch gave students the opportunity to connect with eight diverse geoscience professionals about navigating careers in geoscience. The evening wrapped up with the ES-SEPM Reception and Keynote Address, a lively LGBTQ+ Social Hour, and Faulty Science Movie Night (Sponsored by Yale University), where attendees enjoyed a film with famously questionable geology. We look forward to continued discussions and discovery throughout the rest of the meeting!

Stepping back in time at Connecticut’s most iconic geological sites! Participants of the 2026 Northeastern Section Meeting field trips explored over 750 Early Jurassic dinosaur footprints at Dinosaur State Park, got a close-up look at the track surface, and discovered the geology of the 200-million-year-old lakes that produced these tracks as well as fossilized fish, crustaceans, and potentially some of the earliest mammal tracks! From photogrammetry demonstrations to interpretations of ancient ecosystems, these trips covered a wide range of research and applied skills. Looking to join us on a field trip? Register for upcoming trips: geosociety.co/field-trips

What an incredible start to the Northeastern Section Meeting. Day one featured a welcoming opening reception, engaging short courses, and field trips that set the stage for a week of geoscience discovery, collaboration, and community. We look forward to continued discussions, new connections, and advancing geoscience throughout the rest of the week.

Don’t miss your chance to rock the competition at the 2026 Northeastern Section Meeting GSA GeoClub Tee-Off. Voting is live daily and every vote can change the bracket. Cast yours between 12:00 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. MT to keep your favorite club in the running. Each Section will crown one winning club to advance to the National Finals in April. Northeastern Voting Dates: • March 21–24 The winning club earns $500 and a shot at having their T-shirt featured at GSA Connects 2026. 👉 Get ready to cast your vote: geosociety.co/vote-northeast…

EarthCache Spotlight: Malta Islands Part of the Malta archipelago, St. Paul’s Island is shaped by layers of Miocene limestone and clay, with hard Upper Coralline caps over softer Blue Clay that erodes into fertile slopes and unstable cliffs. Faulting and erosion continue to reshape the coastline, a process that has exposed its rich geology and threatened ancient remains. Now a Natura 2000 reserve, the island is home to an endemic Maltese wall lizard, salt-tolerant plants, and vibrant marine life—while also holding deep cultural significance as the traditional site of St. Paul’s shipwreck in 60 AD. 📍 Location: Malta 📊 Difficulty: 2/5 | Terrain: 2/5 🔗 Discover more EarthCaches and start your adventure: geosociety.co/EarthCache #EarthCache #Geology #Malta

⏰ Final chance for Early Registration and Travel Grant applications for the Cordilleran Section Meeting. Plan ahead and join peers this April for regionally focused science, in-person conversations, and field-area insights you won’t get anywhere else. Present your work, grow your network, and be part of your local geoscience community. 🗓️ Deadline: 19 March 🔗 geosociety.co/3JrYzKe