Renowned seismologist joins USC to lead Southern California Earthquake Center
With three decades of experience studying Earth science, John Vidale’s research focuses on anything related to seismic waves and earthquakes.
High schoolers get early glimpse of a career in science
USC grad students give juniors and seniors hands-on research experience and a taste of what a career in STEM fields could bring.
L.A. will see a partial solar eclipse Monday, but experts see a total opportunity for rare research
Scientists eagerly await “The Great American Eclipse” — and remind us to be sure to view it safely.
Wax on: How wheat plants shield themselves during drought
As water supplies decline in major agricultural states, scientists explore how to generate plants that are more drought-resistant.
Rusting pyrite — ‘fool’s gold’ — in glaciers a sign of increased carbon
Widely varying CO2 levels are nature’s way of self-regulating against future runaway glaciation, USC researchers say.
In memoriam: Alfred Fischer, 96, prominent geologist
Professor emeritus became a world leader in sedimentary geology and a devoted teacher whose 1952 book on paleontology endured for more than six decades.
Happy Leap Day: The fun and folly of having a birthday every four years
USC Dornsife faculty and alumni born on Feb. 29 share stories about this rarest of birthdays.
In memoriam: Robert Douglas, 78
Professor emeritus of Earth sciences was instrumental in building the department and its scholarship as a revered educator and administrator.
Current climate models misrepresent El Niño
Clues to the fundamental physics of the irregular climate pattern come from millennia-old corals and clams.
Are we ready for El Niño?
USC Dornsife scientist explains why current models aren’t enough to predict future changes in climate and weather patterns.
Newly discovered fossil is the oldest of its kind
The sea urchin fossil found by a USC team had been buried in a rock formation that dates back nearly 270 million years.
A skeptical scientist studies the latest findings on Mars
USC Dornsife’s Kenneth Nealson takes a cautionary approach to new research about potential life on the red planet.
Scientists, musicians and activists to join forces for climate change event
Know Tomorrow will transform McCarthy Quad into an ‘eco-hangout’ where students can learn how to shape national policy and help find solutions for a sustainable future.
A crusty mystery: Scientists dig into the origin of strange earthquakes
Currents of semi-liquid rock are the key to the frequency of quakes away from tectonic plate boundaries, USC study finds.
From earthquakes to landslides and potential floods in Nepal
In hopes of providing hard data to manage recovery, a USC scientist studies the latest in a string of related disasters.
In memoriam: Donn Sherrin Gorsline, 88
The professor emeritus of Earth sciences at USC Dornsife was a leading marine geologist.
USC geologist looks below solid ground to study little-known faults
San Andreas gets all the attention, but James Dolan studies the faults directly beneath us — and the dangers they pose.
Earthquake experts weigh in: San Andreas a bit shaky
Would the ‘Big One’ live up to the Hollywood hype? Perhaps, but in different ways than the new movie suggests.
Five things to know about the California drought
From wavy jet streams to wasted water, USC experts look at challenges facing the Golden State.
Scientists study the Amazon to discover effects of climate change
USC researchers find hidden secrets in river water, sediment and the fallen leaves of plants.
Investigations into life’s footprint on the planet spurs future reseachers
Camaraderie, calcium carbonate and classwork combine in summer field program that satisfies the scientifically curious.
Ancient Tibet was the cradle of evolution for cold-adapted mammals
Paleontologists believe the extinct Tibetan fox used its cold surroundings as a training ground for the Ice Age.
If disaster strikes, local residents are ready
The community reaps the rewards of emergency preparedness training.
David Bottjer awarded for pushing boundaries in paleontology
Scientist studies how early animals evolved on Earth and how the planet’s ecology changed.