Earth and atmospheric sciences

An answer to a lunar mystery: Why is the moon’s gravity so uneven?Simulations based on GRAIL data show how gravitational anomalies developed early in lunar history.

Dust in the cloudsCirrus clouds form around mineral dust and metallic particles, study finds.

Finding a gecko in the crowdA combination of crowdsourcing and computer vision could identify individuals within endangered populations.

Islands in the rainResearchers use volcanic islands to measure how rainfall sets the pace of landscape formation.

NASA selects MIT-led TESS project for 2017 mission$200 million project will launch telescopes to perform full-sky search for transiting exoplanets.

A ‘green’ Sahara was far less dusty than todayResearch points to an abrupt and widespread climate shift in the Sahara 5,000 years ago.

Huge and widespread volcanic eruptions triggered the end-Triassic extinctionSome 200 million years ago, an increase in atmospheric CO2 caused acidification of the oceans and global warming that killed off 76 percent of marine and terrestrial species on Earth.

Demystifying the Cretaceous hothouseMIT researchers crack longstanding paradox in climate science

Mapping the early history of the moonIn 41st annual Killian Lecture, Maria Zuber describes looking deep into the moon’s interior to chart its early history.

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.