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Earth Science News

Durham researchers awarded grant to help improve the resilience of roads in the Indian Himalayas affected by devastating monsoon rainfall

Our researchers have been awarded a British Council grant for a project aiming to improve the resilience of roads in the Himalayan region of India by integrating disaster preparedness into transportation engineering education.
A bus travelling along a sandy road

Professor Claire Horwell wins prestigious American Geophysical Union Award

Professor Claire Horwell from our top-rated Earth Sciences department has been honoured with the American Geophysical Union's (AGU) 2024 GeoHealth Section Award, recognising her groundbreaking work at the intersection of geosciences and public health.
PROF CLAIRE HORWELL

Ancient worm fossil solves mystery of how insects and spiders evolved

A new study led by our Earth Sciences department has uncovered an incredibly rare and detailed fossil, named 'Youti yuanshi', that gives a peek inside one of the earliest ancestors of modern insects, spiders, crabs and centipedes.
Individual organ systems of fossil 'Youti yuanshi'

National Geothermal Centre to supercharge geothermal energy

Durham is playing an intrinsic role in harnessing the UK’s potential for geothermal energy advancement, through the launch of a new, collaborative centre.
Three pipes running towards Geothermal Plant

Durham scientists help secure £49.35m to advance UK’s research infrastructure

Our scientists have provided essential support to a national spectrometry infrastructure project that has received multi-million-pound funding from the UK government.
A mass spectrometer instrument

Cave discoveries on Mars could unveil secrets of alien life

Our scientists have identified dozens of potential cave entrances on the surface of Mars using cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) techniques.
NASA spacecraft nearing planet Mars

Prestigious Geological Society Award for Durham earthquake researcher

A researcher from our Department of Earth Sciences who specialises in the study of earthquakes has been recognised with a prestigious international award.
Dr Jenny Jenkins in a hi-vis vest stood in a snowy Icelandic landscape resting her hand on seismology equipment

Durham research has a lasting global impact

We have launched a new Global Research Brochure where we shine a light on some of our incredible researchers who are making a difference in the world.
A globe with lines showing connections between different parts of the world.

Fully funded studentship for 4 years

Nuclear Waste Services fully funded studentship for 4 years
LA-ICP-MS elemental maps

Early Career Research Fellowship funding opportunities

There are a number of Early Career Research Fellowship funding opportunities coming up early in 2024, and the Department of Earth Sciences at Durham University is inviting applications:
Outside the Calman Learning Centre

IAPETUS2 Doctoral Training Programme

Available studentships for the 2024/25 cohort will be added here throughout September, October and November 2023. Applications will open early November 2023.
Sandstone Natural Arch USA

Explosive volcanic eruption led to record-breaking underwater flows

Research involving our Departments of Earth Sciences and Geography has revealed how an explosive volcanic eruption triggered the fastest underwater flows ever recorded and led to extensive damage of seafloor cables.
Members of Tonga Geological Services watch a volcanic eruption from a boat. Image credit Taniela Kula, Tonga Geological Services