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Research News
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![Uturuncu, located on the Andean Mountain range near Boliva’s border with Chile, has been ostensibly inactive for more than 250,000 years.]()
Analysis reveals signs of life in ‘zombie’ volcano
Researchers identified a likely source of activity in a “zombie” volcano that appeared to be dormant for more than 250,000 years: molten rock releasing gas that pushes against the volcano’s upper crust.
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Superhot rock energy could power geothermal systems anywhere
Superhot rock geothermal – often found at least six miles below Earth’s surface – could offer abundant clean energy, finds a new report from Cornell researchers and the nonprofit Clean Air Task Force.
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Geologists reflect on Cornell’s 50 years of seismic reflection
The Institute for the Study of the Continents hosted a symposium to take stock of Cornell’s decades-long history of seismic imaging science, while celebrating Larry Brown, professor emeritus, whose work helped shape the field.
Departmental Happenings
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Inaugural Cornell Weather Conference brings together students, scholars, and industry leaders
The First Annual Cornell Weather Conference, led by undergraduates in the Cornell Chapter of the American Meteorological Society, gathered more than 100 students, alumni, faculty, and practitioners at Cornell.
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Chloé Arson is reimagining the M.Eng. in earth science and engineering
This year marks a turning point for the Earth and Atmospheric Science M.Eng. program. With the arrival of Chloe Arson as a professor and also director of M.Eng. Programs, the department is taking a fresh look at what the degree can become.
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Awards and Honors
Students, faculty, staff, and alumni of the department have been honored for academic success, teaching and advising prowess, research excellence, community-building, and career contributions.
Don Turcotte, Professor Emeritus, Tectonics Pioneer, Dies at 92
Don Turcotte, the former Maxwell Upson Professor of Engineering in the Department of Geological Sciences who brought his aeronautic research roots into pioneering collaborations in the study of mantle dynamics and plate tectonics, died Feb. 4, 2025 in Davis, California. Turcotte retired from Cornell in 2002 after 43 years on faculty, then continued his work as a part-time distinguished professor at the University of California, Davis. He was 92.
Profiles
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![Crewmembers on a research vessel deploy ARGO tools.]()
Illuminating the ocean’s role in climate and life on Earth
“I just kind of fell into oceanography,” Una Miller said, reflecting on her undergraduate years at the University of Washington. “But the more I learned, the more I realized how integral the ocean is – to climate, to weather, to ecosystems, to the economy. It just kept pulling me in.”
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This Cornell alum is living the ‘weather nerd’ dream — Nicole Collins ’25
Atmospheric Science alumna Nicole Collins ’25 has gone from fearing thunderstorms to predicting them as a broadcast meteorologist for WSPA in Greenville, South Carolina.
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Undergraduate finds meaningful geology research opportunities at Cornell
“Once I saw the campus, I was like, that seems pretty cool. I would enjoy going there. And then I looked more into the academic programs, and I actually really wanted to go. I even applied early decision.” The combination of a vibrant campus community, expansive natural surroundings, and strong science programs made Cornell the right choice.
