geophysics
geophysics on World Data Ocean: a running collection of 3 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on geophysics in some way — the news, the analysis, the deep dives, and the occasional surprise find. A Global Hub for Ocean Intelligence 4 World Data Ocean is a centralized digital platform where researchers, scientists, and ocean enthusiasts converge to explore, analyze, and… New stories are added to this page as we find them, so check back if you want to keep up with what is happening around geophysics, or subscribe to the RSS feed to get them as soon as they are published. Browse the collection below, or head back to the homepage to see everything World Data Ocean is covering right now.
‘Thunderquakes’ do more than shake the ground — they map it
Recent research demonstrates a novel application of “thunderquakes”—low-frequency seismic events generated by distant storms—to map subterranean landscapes. Scientists have ingeniously repurposed existing fiber-optic cables, typically used for telecommunications, to detect these vibrations and create high-resolution geological maps. This innovative technique offers a non-invasive means of identifying potential hazards beneath urban areas and beyond. For further exploration of oceanographic research, consider our article detailing how we are tracking plastic pollution across remote ocean regions.
Say a 1.2 megaton bomb were to be detonated roughly 6.8 miles deep underwater would it part the Ocean for a brief period exposing the sea floor?
The hypothetical detonation of a 1.2-megaton bomb at a depth of 6.8 miles underwater presents a compelling, albeit concerning, question. Empirical modeling suggests a transient, localized exposure of the seabed is plausible. The resulting shockwave and displacement of water would create a temporary cavity, though its duration and extent remain subject to complex hydrodynamic calculations. This event underscores the profound impact of extreme forces on the ocean environment.
Heat-trapping asteroid dust may have incinerated the dinosaurs within hours
Recent research suggests a previously underestimated factor in the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event: heat-trapping asteroid dust. Simulations indicate that within minutes of impact, fine dust particles rapidly dispersed throughout Earth’s atmosphere, effectively creating a global oven. This phenomenon may have caused catastrophic heating, potentially incinerating dinosaurs within hours—a far more immediate consequence than previously understood. For further context on long-term oceanographic trends influencing global systems, explore our analysis of "Linear trends in salinity for the World Ocean, 1955–1998.”