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Earth Science News

The recipe for finding clean hydrogen

Clean hydrogen could be key to a greener future and there is a lot if it right beneath our feet in the Earth’s crust. The trick is knowing exactly where it is and in which conditions it survives. For this, the geology needs to be just right.
Blue water-like bubbles of different sizes

500-million-year-old ancient fossil mystery solved by scientists

A new study led by our Earth Sciences department has made a surprising discovery about a mysterious fossil from the Cambrian period — over 500 million years ago.
Shishania fossil

University spin-out company receives prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise

University spin-out company Geoptic has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise for its pioneering approach to assessing the condition and safety of railway tunnels.
View looking through an old brick railway tunnel.

Professor awarded prestigious fellowship for contributions to geochemistry

Professor of Geochemistry in the Department of Earth Sciences Chris Greenwell has been named a Learned Society of Wales Fellow.
Professor Chris Greenwell poses for a portrait in front of a beige background

Spotlight on: Professor Jon Gluyas - Pioneering Geoenergy Solutions for a Sustainable Future

This instalment of our ‘Spotlight on’ series focuses on Professor Jon Gluyas - a leading geoscientist who has spent his career addressing some of society's most pressing energy challenges.
Professor Jon Gluyas looking straight to camera in front of a dark background

Climate change is hampering River Thames clean-up efforts

Global warming is making it harder to clean up the iconic River Thames in the UK, according to a new study involving scientists from Durham University.
Small boats going along the River Thames in the UK.

Two Durham geologists earn lifetime achievement awards 

The Geological Society of London has recognised Professor David Selby and Dr Richard Brown for their contributions to the field of earth science.
Two Durham geologists in the field

Royal Astronomical Society honours Durham scientists

Two Durham scientists whose work helps us to understand the Universe and our own planet are being recognised by one of the UK’s leading learned societies.
Head and shoulder pictures of Dr Andrew Valentine (left) and Emeritus Professor Ian Smail (right). Both men have beards and glasses and are looking directly at the camera.

Durham scientist onboard drilling ship investigating major Japanese earthquake

A Durham scientist is part of an international research team drilling into the seabed off the east coast of Japan to learn more about the 2011 Tohoku great earthquake.
The deck of a large ship at sunset

Leading the world in interdisciplinary research

We have been ranked third in the UK for interdisciplinary science research.
Person wearing protective facemask welding, with bright blue flame visible

Research team makes National Geographic’s ‘Picture of the Year’ cover

A research project involving Professor James Baldini, from our Department of Earth Sciences, features on the front cover of a globally-renowned magazine as it celebrates the best photographs of the last 12 months.
National Geographic December issue cover on blue background

Working with UNICEF to protect children’s health globally

We’ve joined UNICEF’s Children’s Environmental Health Collaborative (CEHC) to help protect children from the harmful consequences of air pollution on a global scale.
A road scene showing buses, cars and scooters emitting pollution