Earth and atmospheric sciences

Bringing life to computer models of marine microbesBiogeochemical modeler Mick Follows named tenured associate professor in MIT's Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences

Students witness science policy in actionMIT students participate in the final mercury talks resulting in an international treaty.

India joined with Asia 10 million years later than previously thoughtNew timeline suggests India’s size before this collision was much smaller than generally assumed.

Susan Solomon wins international climate awardMIT professor honored by BBVA for discovering links between atmosphere, climate and human activity.

Tackling a global warming conundrumMIT professor and colleagues address major issue in climate science: greenhouse gases versus aerosols.

President Obama announces intent to appoint Maria Zuber to National Science BoardMIT geophysicist nominated for 25-member governing board of the National Science Foundation.

A new ‘branch’ of mathResearchers find a common angle and tipping point of branching valley networks.

Three from MIT named Marine Microbiology Initiative investigatorsGordon and Betty Moore Foundation awards given to pursue high-risk research in marine microbial ecology.

Scientists discover water ice on MercuryIce and organic material may have been carried to the planet by passing comets.

Maria Zuber appointed vice president for researchClaude Canizares will take a new role as a vice president with responsibility for international partnerships.

Ocean currents play a role in predicting extent of Arctic sea iceDiscovery of feedback between sea ice and ocean improves Arctic ice extent forecast.

Clearing the airAtmospheric chemist Susan Solomon finds hope in past environmental challenges.

Scientists find first evidence of dynamo generation on an asteroidA meteorite found in Antarctica holds evidence of a once-active dynamo on Vesta.

The mathematics of leaf decayA mathematical model reveals commonality within the diversity of leaf decay.

What the past teaches: meeting today’s global environmental challengesAtmospheric science pioneer Susan Solomon speaks on past environmental accomplishments, technology’s role and how history should be our guide to meeting today’s global challenges.

When it rains, it poursStudy estimates rate of intensification of extreme tropical rainfall with global warming.

Sarah Stewart Johnson, EAPS PhD, gives rein to curiosityAlumna envisions combining academia with public policy

Newfound gene may help bacteria survive in extreme environmentsResulting microbial lipids may also signify oxygen dips in Earth’s history.

River networks on Titan point to a puzzling geologic historyFindings suggest the surface of Saturn’s largest moon may have undergone a recent transformation.

Explained: Near-miss asteroidsWhat to do in the event of an asteroid streaking toward Earth? Activate the asteroid ‘fire drill.’

Researchers calculate size of particles in Martian clouds of CO2 snowMars’ carbon dioxide ‘snowflakes’ are about the size of red blood cells.

First light from a super-Earth spottedDetection reveals a searing planet.

William F. Brace, professor emeritus in EAPS, dies at 86Geologist helped develop systematic descriptions of key physical properties of rocks.

Facing the facts about our changing climateMIT researchers join Boston Globe panel in weighing climate risks and resolutions.

Sara Seager named co-winner of the 2012 Sackler Prize

Oceans apartNew research suggests that ocean-crust formation is a dynamic process.

Water world'Weather in a tank' demonstration helps students grasp fluid dynamics.

A climate window in the Southern OceanAn updated circulation model reveals the Southern Ocean as a powerful influence on climate change.

‘Storm of the Century?’ Try ‘Storm of the Decade’With climate change, today’s ‘100-year floods’ may happen every three to 20 years, according to new research.