Earth Sciences

Gases from ancient Inland Northwest volcanic eruptions blocked out sun, cooling planet

By Eric Sorensen, WSU News PULLMAN, Wash. – The Pacific Northwest was home to one of the Earth’s largest known volcanic eruptions, a millennia-long spewing of sulfuric gas that blocked out the sun and cooled the planet, Washington State University researchers have determined.

Health of amphibians in oil sand fields area assessed

By Will Ferguson, WSU College of Arts and Science The impact of pollutants from the world’s largest oil sand field on the health of amphibians marks the focus of a team of research biologists from Washington State University and Canada.

Researchers find new clues for nuclear waste cleanup

By Tina Hilding, Voiland College of Engineering & Architecture PULLMAN, Wash. – A Washington State University study of the chemistry of technetium-99 has improved understanding of the challenging nuclear waste and could lead to better cleanup methods.

WSU research highlights deforestation threat to jaguars

By Will Ferguson, College of Arts & Sciences PULLMAN, Wash. – Accelerating deforestation of jaguar habitat, especially in corridors connecting conservation areas, threatens the long-term survival of the iconic predator, according to new research by Dan Thornton, an assistant professor in the Washington State University School of the Environment.

Jan. 27-29: Helping neighborhoods adapt to climate change

SAN FRANCISCO – Five public, community workshops to help some San Francisco neighborhoods adapt to sea level rising, flooding and drought will be hosted by the Washington State University Adaptive Water Urbanism Initiative Jan. 27-29.

Researchers develop environmentally friendly, soy air filter

By Tina Hilding, Voiland College of Engineering & Architecture PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University researchers have developed a soy-based air filter that can capture toxic chemicals, such as carbon monoxide and formaldehyde, that current air filters can’t.

Computer models find ancient solutions to modern problems

By Will Ferguson, College of Arts & Sciences PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University archaeologists are at the helm of new research using sophisticated computer technology to learn how past societies responded to climate change.