Latest news with #UniversityOfWollongong
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Massive Underground Blobs May Tell Us Where the Next Mass Extinction Could Start
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Here's what you'll learn when you read this story: Volcanoes are responsible for some of the greatest bouts of biological devastation in Earth's history. A new study aims to determine whether giant volcanic eruptions are related to BLOBS—mobile basal structures related to well-known large low-shear-velocity provinces (LLSVPs). Comparing seismic tomography data with their models, the researchers found evidence of slow-moving blobs that shift at about one centimeter per year. The story of life on Earth is also a story about volcanoes—that is, extinction-level volcanic events capable of nearly wiping the planet's biological slate clean. The Permian-Triassic extinction, for instance—which took place some 252 million years ago—can be attributed to an abnormally volcanic region known as the Siberian Traps, and volcanic eruptions also sped along the end of the dinosaurs 66 million years ago (though a ten-kilometer-wide asteroid deserves most of the credit for that one). So, it makes sense that understanding the deep-Earth origins of these events could help scientists reconstruct Earth's geologic history while also improving our ability to predict where massive volcanic eruptions could occur next. In an attempt to get a better picture of what's happening under our feet, a group of scientists—led by researchers at the University of Wollongong (UOW) in Australia—have reconstructed one billion years of mantle convection and 300 million years of plume conduits to determine the origin of Earth's most intense volcanic events. One of the big questions was: Do big lower-mantle basal structures, known as BLOBS, move or stay fixed in one place? After comparing data from three datasets to their models, they found that BLOBs do likely move, albeit very slowly—roughly one centimeter per year. The results were published last week in the journal Communications Earth & Environment. 'Researching the relationships between volcanic eruptions at the surface with such large-scale dynamic processes occurring 2500 km below our feet puts into perspective how interconnected our planet really is,' Annalise Cucchiaro, UOW Ph.D. candidate and the lead author of the study, said in a press statement. 'This work highlights the importance of mantle plumes in acting as 'magma highways' to the surface, creating these giant eruptions. It also shows that these plumes move along with their source, the BLOBS.' Located 2,000 to 3,000 kilometers under Africa and the Pacific Ocean, the depth at which BLOBS move creates lollipop-shaped mantle plumes—the 'stick' forms the plume's tail and the 'candy' forms the plume's head near the surface. The researchers found that eruptions usually take place above or near these blobs, suggesting that mantle plumes also tilt as they rise up toward the lithosphere. A centimeter per year may not seem like much, but over Earth's geologic history, those centimeters add up to significant changes to the planet's geologic story. Although evidence is strong that BLOBS are dynamic objects, the authors note in an article published in The Conversation that one of the four models also supported the fixed BLOBS theory, so that idea can't be entirely ruled out. But with a greater understanding of how BLOBS move, the scientists are now eager to analyze their chemical composition by tracking their evolution over time. 'This research cracks open one of the questions that has long plagued scientists – are the BLOBS stationary or mobile and how do they relate to giant volcanic explosions,' Nicolas Flament, a co-author of the study from UOW, said in a press statement. 'So it is a thrill to finally begin to unravel these mysteries.' You Might Also Like The Do's and Don'ts of Using Painter's Tape The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life? Solve the daily Crossword
SBS Australia
10-07-2025
- General
- SBS Australia
Rupal went to India for a week, but she never returned to the UK
Air India flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after take-off, killing more than 270 people and sending shockwaves across the globe. Among those grieving a loved one is Sydney-based Yogita Patel, whose sister-in-law, Rupal Patel, was one of the victims on board the ill-fated flight to London Gatwick Airport. Speaking to SBS Gujarati, Yogita recounted the moment she learned about the disaster. "I was working overtime when I saw a message on social media about a plane crash. Initially, I ignored it. But then I received another message in a different group and realised it was serious," she said. It was only then that Yogita discovered the crash involved the same flight Rupal had boarded. "I immediately called my brother. He cried out loud and said, 'Rupal is gone,' and then hung up." Desperate for answers, Yogita turned to news channels and reached out to relatives, who confirmed the news. Final conversation Yogita remembered her final phone call with Rupal. It was a short conversation in which Rupal mentioned she was at the bank and would call back later — a call that never came. According to Yogita, Rupal had travelled to India just a week earlier for a follow-up medical check-up following surgery in the UK. My brother asked me to tell Rupal to go back to India for another check-up to help with her recovery. She took my advice and went — but just five days later, she was gone. Yogita Patel University of Wollongong India Campus employee among the victims Kalyani Brahmbhatt, an administrative officer at the University of Wollongong's India campus, also lost her life in the crash. Her husband, Gaurav, was with her. In a statement to SBS Gujarati, a university spokesperson expressed deep sorrow: The University of Wollongong is deeply saddened by the passing of our colleague Kalyani Brahmbhatt, and her husband Gaurav, in the Air India crash on June 12. Spokesperson, University of Wollongong "A deeply respected and much-loved member of our UOW India community, Kalyani will be dearly missed. Kalyani was one of the first to join UOW India's team where she played an instrumental role in helping to set up the campus," the university said in a statement. "Our deepest thoughts and sympathies are with all those affected by this tragedy, especially to Kalyani and Gaurav's daughter and son and their families, as well as to our colleagues at UOW India." SBS Gujarati is a part of SBS South Asian, the destination channel for all South Asians living in Australia. Tune in to SBS Gujarati live on Wednesdays and Fridays at 2pm on SBS South Asian on digital radio, on channel 305 on your television, via the SBS Audio app or stream from our website . You can also enjoy programs in 10 South Asian languages, plus SBS Spice content in English. It is also available on SBS On Demand Listen to SBS Gujarati every Wednesday and Friday at 2 pm
ABC News
19-06-2025
- ABC News
Wollongong man completes mammoth six-year steamboat build in backyard
Ask Andrew Scobie his secret to building a 20th-century steamboat in his backyard shed and he will say it took a "couple of cups of coffee and maybe a couple of beers". The Wollongong man spent up to three hours a day for six years working on the passion project, all because he was tired of watching television. "I was bored … so I thought it'd be nice to tinker in the shed," Mr Scobie said. "And quite a few years back, I built a model steam train with my father so we thought, 'We like all things mechanical, so let's venture onto a new project.'" The 58-year-old has now completed a seven-seater steam-powered vessel designed for family adventures on some of Australia's most picturesque waterways. It was inspired by the Edwardian era of steam travel and incorporates authentic details like shiny brass fixtures, red leather seats, a steam engine and chimney. "If you were on a boat, for instance, and had a loose bit of timber, it was a very easy fuel source and mode of transport." The University of Wollongong staffer, husband and father financed the entire build and had all mechanical elements certified. Mr Scobie said he enjoyed making it a social activity with friends and his father, who earnt a living as a steam ship engineer. "I sourced the hull skin and then started to do some of the fitting out. Around that time, a friend had the boiler certified," he said. Just a few weeks out from the boat's maiden voyage, Mr Scobie's father Clarke died. "We were trying and pushing this last year and a half, putting a lot more hours in," said daughter Caitlyn Scobie. "Obviously he didn't make it but that's OK … I think he'd be really proud." Mr Scobie paid homage to his dad by wearing his former sailing uniform during the boat's first run last weekend. "We had a lot of time for each other, talking engineering and other things. It was a great connection we had over the years," he said. The moment was witnessed by dozens of boating enthusiasts and Shell Cove locals, some of whom could not help but cheer as the boat's belly hit the water. After a successful lap around the marina, Mr Scobie said his hobby build would be put to good use. "I look forward to the next weeks, months, years enjoying sunny days like this on the water," he said.
RNZ News
26-05-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
The Vagus Nerve and Mental Health
Our vagus nerves help us rest, digest and restore, but is there really a way to reset them to feel better? Dr Theresa Larkin is an academic in Graduate Medicine at the University of Wollongong and joins Jim to discuss the role vagus nerves play in our physical and mental health . Photo: 3DMEDISPHERE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRA
ABC News
23-05-2025
- Business
- ABC News
lllawarra named as NSW's first urban renewable energy zone in push for local power solutions
The NSW government has launched a new approach to renewable energy in the Illawarra, pitching the region as the state's first "urban renewable energy zone". The model leans heavily on local solar, community batteries, and existing infrastructure rather than large-scale projects. Energy Minister Penny Sharpe said the plan marked a shift from traditional renewable energy zones (REZs) in places like the Orana and South West. "It's not about big generation and transmission," she said. "It's about how we support the infrastructure that's already here, how we prepare for green manufacturing, and how we make the most of the solar and storage potential across homes, businesses and communities." The announcement in Port Kembla at the BlueScope steel terminal — where renewable energy research is underway — included a memorandum of understanding with Endeavour Energy. It set the groundwork for trials of new grid technologies and incentives for solar uptake. Endeavour's Colin Crisafulli said the goal was to make the most of the infrastructure already in place. "We're looking at how we can store more energy, share it locally, and avoid rebuilding the grid where we don't need to," he said. At the University of Wollongong, energy researcher Ty Christopher said the consumer focus in the REZ could deliver 300 megawatts of local energy. "An urban REZ could certainly get it into the hundreds of megawatts of capacity," he said. "With more generation on homes and businesses, and in particular with the ability to store and time shift all of that clean energy so that it's available in the evening ." He said leaning into the local support for renewables with an urban REZ would "really play to the strengths of the region". Even with the local consumer energy contributions, the government is still a way off its commitment of 1 gigawatt of energy creation for the Illawarra zone. Professor Christopher said the local REZ would still require bigger solutions like offshore wind to power heavy industry like BlueScope. "You can't run a steelworks on rooftop solar," he said. "This needs to be part of a bigger mix, but this is something we can start now. "One of the big challenges from a political perspective with the Urban REZ concept is it's not going to create one big thing that you can string a ribbon in front of and just cut. The announcement came just days after the federal government lifted a pause on consultation for offshore wind off the Illawarra coast. The applicant, BlueFloat, told the ABC it was not discussing the Illawarra project but focused on its plans for the Gippsland offshore wind zone. Hi Neighbour founder Yael Stone, who earlier this year criticised the lack of visible progress since the Illawarra REZ was first announced, welcomed the urban REZ approach as a smart and community-led next step. "I'm thrilled at the announcement," she said. "It reflects what groups like Electrify 2515 and Hi Neighbour have been working toward — small-scale, local energy projects that create jobs and cut bills." She said Illawarra residents were already tuned in to the benefits of household solar, batteries and smarter grid interaction. Stone saw the urban REZ concept as a "companion piece" to the federal move to resume offshore wind planning and said her group had already helped install solar on local manufacturing rooftops, using the returns to fund training scholarships. "There's a kind of circularity that feeds itself — these projects create economic benefit and they enrich communities," she said.
