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  • North American Craton Actively Thinning as Rock Blobs Drip From Ancient Foundation

    North American Craton Actively Thinning as Rock Blobs Drip From Ancient Foundation
    2026/02/25
    Geoscientists at the University of Texas Jackson School of Geosciences have discovered that the underside of the North American continent is actively dripping away in blobs of rock from its ancient craton foundation. Lead researcher Junlin Hua, now at the University of Science and Technology of China, used advanced full-waveform seismic tomography from the EarthScope project to reveal these drips beneath the craton, which spans most of the United States and Canada. The process, driven by the Farallon tectonic plate subducting 600 kilometers away, is causing widespread thinning across the craton, not just in one spot, as computer models confirm dripping halts when the plate is removed. This ongoing thinning challenges the craton's famed stability after billions of years and offers a live view of deep Earth dynamics.

    In Hawaii, Kilauea volcano's summit at Halemaumaumau paused after episode 42 of lava fountaining on February 15, which lasted under ten hours with peaks of 400 meters from south and north vents, erupting 11.4 million cubic meters of lava and scattering light ash downwind. United States Geological Survey reports show inflation resuming, with 17.2 microradians of tilt recovery and sulfur dioxide emissions at 1000 to 1500 tonnes daily, signaling episode 43 may soon begin amid low rift zone activity. A minor magnitude 1.8 earthquake struck six miles south of Skwentna, Alaska, on February 25 at a depth of 72 kilometers, per the Alaska Earthquake Center.

    Elsewhere in the United States, unrest at Ahyi volcano in the Northern Mariana Islands eased by February 24, according to United States Geological Survey Northern Mariana Islands monitoring. Stanford University researchers mapped rare deep mantle earthquakes globally on February 20, clustering near the Bering Strait in North America and beneath the Himalayas, using seismic wave analysis to probe the crust-mantle boundary and tectonic drivers up to 80 kilometers deep.

    These events highlight emerging patterns of mantle instability under North America, from cratonic drips to subtle quakes, alongside Hawaii's persistent volcanism, underscoring active geological flux shaping the continent today.

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  • Yellowstone Shows Breathing Pattern as Kilauea Erupts: February 2026 Volcano Updates

    Yellowstone Shows Breathing Pattern as Kilauea Erupts: February 2026 Volcano Updates
    2026/02/21
    In early February 2026, the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory reported normal background activity at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Continuous global positioning system stations detected subtle ground deformation, with uplift along the north caldera rim and subsidence within the caldera itself, resembling a breathing pattern after years of alternating rise and fall. The University of Utah Seismograph Stations recorded 100 earthquakes in January, and two confirmed eruptions occurred at Black Diamond Pool in Biscuit Basin. According to the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, these measurements highlight ongoing monitoring of millimeter-scale movements using precise instruments.

    Meanwhile, at Kilauea volcano on Hawaii's Big Island, episode 42 of summit eruptions in Halemaumau crater unfolded on February 15. Lava fountaining from north and south vents lasted under ten hours, peaking at 400 meters or 1300 feet high from the south vent. The United States Geological Survey estimated 15 million cubic yards of lava erupted, producing light tephra including fine ash and Pele's hair that drifted downwind to nearby communities. By February 21, the eruption paused, with weak glow fading, robust degassing plumes carrying southwest, and inflationary tilt recovering nearly 11.6 microradians on the UWD tiltmeter. Sulfur dioxide emissions likely hit 100,000 tonnes per day during fountaining, dropping to 1000 to 5000 tonnes per day in the pause, per USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory updates.

    Elsewhere in the United States, geologic hydrogen exploration advanced with first regulatory steps in various states. Companies like Koloma conducted geological assessments and test well planning, supported by the United States Geological Survey's new continental-scale map of hydrogen potential across the contiguous states. This marks early progress in identifying underground resources, though widespread drilling remains exploratory.

    A University of Utah Geology and Geophysics presentation on February 3 detailed karst processes in Colorado's Pikes Peak region, including Iron Spring in Pikes Peak Granite and sites in Williams Canyon and migmatite formations. Monitoring revealed water mixing creating surface voids, challenging karst topography mapping, with no clear seasonality in off-gassing from wells at varying depths.

    Katmai Volcano in Alaska maintained background activity as of February 20, according to the United States Geological Survey Alaska Volcano Observatory. These events underscore patterns of episodic volcanism in the west, subtle deformations signaling magma dynamics, and emerging energy resource pursuits amid steady monitoring.

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  • Yellowstone Volcano Holds Steady, Madison Copper-Gold Discoveries Shine, Kilauea Eruption Pauses: US Geology Insights Unveiled

    Yellowstone Volcano Holds Steady, Madison Copper-Gold Discoveries Shine, Kilauea Eruption Pauses: US Geology Insights Unveiled
    2026/02/18
    In early February 2026, the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory reported steady activity at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. During January, the University of Utah Seismograph Stations recorded 100 earthquakes, while deformation measurements showed subtle uplift along the north caldera rim and subsidence within the caldera itself. Two confirmed eruptions occurred at Black Diamond Pool in Biscuit Basin, yet the volcano remains at normal background levels. Ground deformation continues a pattern resembling breathing, with prior years alternating between uplift and subsidence, as detailed in the observatory's monthly update.

    Meanwhile, in Montana, American Pacific Mining announced significant geological discoveries at its Madison Copper-Gold Project on February 6. Lower underground water levels exposed 150 feet of previously inaccessible ramp, revealing highly altered rock ideal for detailed sampling and mapping. Geologists also identified a phreatic breccia in the east rib, about 700 feet from the portal, featuring intrusive clasts with chalcocite veins and native copper. This breccia links underground workings to the surface Victoria Pit, marking the sixth distinct breccia type at the site and highlighting the vigor of the hydrothermal system. These findings refine vectors toward potential porphyry and carbonate replacement deposits, sharpening drill targets ahead of the planned program this quarter.

    On Hawaii's Big Island, Kilauea volcano experienced episode 42 of its summit eruption in Halemaumau crater. Lava fountaining from north and south vents lasted under 10 hours on February 15, peaking at 400 meters from the south vent and erupting 15 million cubic yards of lava. Light tephra, including fine ash and Pele's hair, fell in downwind communities. By February 18, the eruption paused, per USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory updates.

    These events underscore emerging patterns in United States geology: cyclic deformation and hydrothermal activity at Yellowstone signal ongoing caldera dynamics without elevated risk, while Madison's breccias reveal complex mineralization systems boosting copper-gold exploration. Kilauea's episodic fountaining reflects persistent magma supply beneath the island. Such observations, drawn from targeted fieldwork and monitoring, enhance predictive models for volcanic and mineral resources across the nation.

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  • Uncovering Montana's Copper-Gold Riches: American Pacific Mining's Promising Discoveries

    Uncovering Montana's Copper-Gold Riches: American Pacific Mining's Promising Discoveries
    2026/02/11
    American Pacific Mining announced on February 6 new geological discoveries at its Madison Copper-Gold Project in Montana. Ongoing underground mapping and sampling revealed a newly exposed 150 feet of ramp due to seasonally lower water levels. This highly altered zone, never before sampled, offers a time-sensitive chance for detailed geological, structural, and geochemical analysis to refine drill targets. Further, geologists identified a phreatic breccia in the east rib, about 700 feet from the portal, featuring intrusive clasts with chalcocite veins and native copper. This breccia links underground workings to the surface Victoria Pit, marking the sixth distinct breccia type at the site and highlighting the vigor of the hydrothermal system. According to American Pacific Mining, these findings sharpen the exploration model ahead of drilling this quarter, providing key vectors toward potential porphyry sources.

    In Hawaii, the United States Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported on February 11 that Kilauea's Halemaumau eruption is paused, with episode 42 lava fountaining now forecast for February 14 to 17. Summit deflation early in the week reversed to inflation, accompanied by glow from south and north vents and low-level tremor, signaling magma buildup. A monitoring overflight on February 4 captured images of the summit caldera, Kaluapele. Meanwhile, Great Sitkin Volcano in Alaska continues its ongoing eruption as of February 10, per Volcano Discovery reports.

    Seismic activity persists in the mainland United States. The United States Geological Survey recorded South Carolina's fifth earthquake of 2026 near Ladson early Monday, underscoring frequent low-magnitude events in the region. The Geological Society of America released findings on February 5 assessing the Seattle Fault Zone's hazard potential, emphasizing its proximity to populated areas.

    These developments reveal emerging patterns in United States geology: intensified mineral exploration in the Rockies amid dropping water access, persistent volcanic unrest in the Pacific chain from Alaska to Hawaii, and steady intraplate seismicity in the Southeast. Such insights bolster predictive modeling for resources and hazards.

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  • Kilauea Erupts Again as US Geology Reveals Advances in Hydrogen, Landsat, and Paleontology

    Kilauea Erupts Again as US Geology Reveals Advances in Hydrogen, Landsat, and Paleontology
    2026/01/31
    The United States Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that Kilauea volcano in Hawaii remains highly active, with episode 41 of the ongoing Halemaumau eruption occurring on January 24, 2026. This episode began around 11:10 a.m. Hawaii Standard Time, triggered by a sharp increase in volcanic tremor and deflationary tilt recorded at the Ue Kahuna tiltmeter. North and south vents produced lava fountains peaking at 460 to 480 meters, or 1500 to 1575 feet, just after 12:30 p.m., with the highest instantaneous effusion rate reaching 1050 cubic yards per second. The eruption lasted eight hours and 18 minutes, ending at 7:29 p.m., and released an estimated 14 million cubic yards of lava, covering 80 to 85 percent of the Halemaumau crater floor. The Ue Kahuna tiltmeter measured 31 microradians of deflation during the event.

    Following the episode, rapid rebound of inflationary tilt, glow from the vents, and low-level tremor suggest another lava fountaining episode is likely soon. Seismicity and ground deformation in the East Rift Zone and Southwest Rift Zone stay very low, while sulfur dioxide emissions from the East Rift Zone remain below detection limits. Hazards persist around Kilauea caldera, including unstable crater walls, ground cracking, rockfalls, and earthquake-enhanced instability, keeping the caldera rim closed to the public since late 2007.

    Elsewhere in the United States, the United States Geological Survey released its first continental-scale map of geologic hydrogen potential across the contiguous states, aiding early exploration efforts. States like Iowa and Minnesota are clarifying regulatory definitions for naturally occurring hydrogen, while companies such as Koloma advance geological assessments and test well planning. The Latest in Landsat newsletter from the United States Geological Survey highlights 2025 milestones, including a growing data archive exceeding 200,000 terabytes and a new Landsat Science Team to support future missions.

    A Geological Society of America news release on January 21, 2026, details research in the journal Geology showing extremely rapid evolution of new species after the end-Cretaceous mass extinction, based on fossil evidence from North American sites. These developments underscore emerging patterns in United States geology, from persistent volcanic unrest in Hawaii to advancing energy resource mapping and paleontological insights into recovery from ancient catastrophes. Worldwide, volcanic activity continues at sites like Santiaguito in Guatemala and Merapi in Indonesia, but United States events dominate recent monitoring.

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  • Groundbreaking US Geology Discoveries Uncover Hidden Faults, Shifting Plates, and Ancient Connections

    Groundbreaking US Geology Discoveries Uncover Hidden Faults, Shifting Plates, and Ancient Connections
    2026/01/28
    In the past week, United States geology news highlights groundbreaking discoveries in tectonics, satellite monitoring, water trends, and ancient connections. Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder and University of California Davis analyzed small low-frequency earthquakes in the Pacific Northwest, revealing hidden faults at the Mendocino Triple Junction off northern California. According to Science magazine, this hotspot where the North American, Gorda, and Pacific plates converge actually involves five moving pieces, not three. A chunk of the North American plate has broken off and is sinking with the Gorda plate, while the Pioneer fragment of older rock drags underneath. This shifts the plate boundary shallower than models predicted, explaining the 1992 magnitude 7.2 earthquake's unusual depth. Geophysicist Amanda Thomas notes that without understanding these processes, seismic hazard prediction remains challenging, especially near the San Andreas fault and Cascadia subduction zone.

    The United States Geological Survey announced a new Landsat Science Team to advance satellite data for Earth surface changes. The USGS January 2026 Landsat newsletter reports that 2025 milestones included the data archive surpassing 200,000 terabytes and celebrations of Landsat 7's legacy, aiding industries in tracking geology worldwide through this NASA-USGS partnership.

    USGS Water News from January 9 details thermoelectric power plants as top water users, with trends showing shifts, alongside a national nutrient study indicating progress against pollution despite population growth. The FireALT dataset baselines permafrost thaw post-wildfire in North America, revealing deeper thaw in the first two decades followed by recovery, threatening Arctic infrastructure as warming accelerates.

    High Country News on January 23 links Arizona's Meteor Crater to the Grand Canyon, where driftwood high in caves suggests the ancient impact damming the river, uncovering deep time legacies in the West. Wyoming's 3.5 billion-year-old rocks remind us of Earth's constant change.

    Worldwide, a G4 severe geomagnetic storm hit January 19 from a coronal mass ejection, per NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, while VolcanoDiscovery logged January's largest quake at magnitude 6.5 off Mexico. These events underscore emerging patterns of complex tectonics, climate-driven permafrost shifts, and vast data tools refining US geologic insights.[349 words]

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  • Kilauea Volcano Builds Towards Explosive Eruption in Hawaii

    Kilauea Volcano Builds Towards Explosive Eruption in Hawaii
    2026/01/24
    The United States Geological Survey reports growing pressure at Kilauea volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii's Big Island. Lava emerged from summit vents on Thursday night, January 22, 2026, as the volcano builds toward its next eruptive episode, potentially episode 41 of the year-long summit eruption. Scientists forecast this could begin between January 23 and 25, based on current inflationary tilt models showing a saw-tooth pattern of ground deformation. Each episode requires more pressurization, indicated by a black arrow on deformation graphs from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

    Elevated microseismicity persists, with earthquakes spread widely beneath the summit region, linked to migrating magmatic pressure. The observatory's information statement on January 23 details three possible outcomes. First, the eruption could continue from north and south vents in Halemaumau crater for an unforeseeable time, possibly shifting to continuous lava flow as vents break down. Second, a new vent might form in the summit region or upper southwest rift zone, signaled by tightly clustered earthquakes and shallow crack deformation, similar to episode 30 on August 6, 2025, when a fissure opened in Halemaumau's southwest wall. Third, and least likely, magma could migrate into the east rift zone, causing intrusion or eruption, with earthquakes moving southeast and summit deflation.

    No changes in ground deformation suggest magma entering new areas yet, but inflation continues between earthquake swarms. The volcano alert level remains at watch, with close monitoring. Big Island Video News highlights this as part of ongoing summit activity, with all images courtesy of the USGS.

    Elsewhere in the US, the USGS released an assessment of undiscovered resources in the Woodford and Barnett shales of the Permian Basin, spanning New Mexico and Texas. It estimates 28.3 trillion cubic feet of gas, enough for 10 months of national supply, and 1.6 billion barrels of oil, or 10 weeks' worth.

    These events underscore patterns of volcanic inflation and resource potential in tectonically active US regions. Kilauea's episodic fountaining reveals magma reservoir dynamics, while Permian assessments highlight untapped shale plays amid energy demands. No major nationwide seismic shifts reported this week, but vigilance continues at key sites.

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  • Reshaping Earthquake Hazards and Water Resources: Groundbreaking Geologic Discoveries Across the U.S.

    Reshaping Earthquake Hazards and Water Resources: Groundbreaking Geologic Discoveries Across the U.S.
    2026/01/21
    Recent geological discoveries across the United States are revealing complex subsurface structures and ongoing seismic activity that scientists say could reshape our understanding of earthquake hazards and water resources.

    In New Mexico and Texas, the U.S. Geological Survey announced low-level helicopter flights beginning mid-January over four counties surrounding Clovis and Cannon Air Force Base. According to the USGS, these surveys are imaging geology and aquifers across approximately 1,300 square miles using airborne geophysical technology. The aircraft, equipped with a towed hoop deployed about 100 feet beneath the helicopter, measures variations in Earth's electrical properties and magnetic fields created by different rock types. Burke Minsley, a USGS research geophysicist overseeing the project, noted that this airborne survey allows scientists to cover large areas very effectively. The resulting three-dimensional models will map aquifer thickness saturated with groundwater to depths up to about 1,000 feet below the surface, supporting critical groundwater studies in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force.

    In Northern California, University of California Davis researchers have uncovered a surprisingly complex earthquake zone at the Mendocino Triple Junction where three major tectonic plates converge. The study, published on January 17, 2026, reveals that the region involves five moving pieces rather than just three major plates, with two hidden deep below the surface. Scientists discovered that a portion of the North American plate has broken away and is being dragged downward along with the Gorda plate as it sinks beneath North America. Additionally, the Pacific plate is pulling a mass of rock called the Pioneer fragment beneath the North American plate as it moves northward. This fragment, which was once part of the ancient Farallon plate, lies along a nearly flat fault that cannot be seen at the surface.

    Meanwhile, Utah geologists have created new high-resolution maps of active faults in regions beyond the Wasatch Front, using advanced elevation data to identify faults that have ruptured Earth's surface within the past 2.6 million years. The Utah Geological Survey reports these maps reveal earthquake risk in rapidly growing rural regions previously less studied.

    At Yellowstone, the U.S. Geological Survey confirmed that an area on the north rim of the caldera began uplifting slightly in July 2025, mirroring deformation that occurred during 1996 through 2004. These recent geological activities underscore how continuously Earth reshapes itself, with implications for water security, infrastructure safety, and volcanic monitoring across the nation.

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