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University of South Florida: A Preeminent Research University

An Explosion of Algae: Scientist turned National Geographic Photographer uses photos to inspire change

With a background in journalism in newspapers, Jason Gulley decided to use his camera as a tool to tell the story of Florida's imperiled natural springs.

May 31, 2023Community Engagement, Research

Aerial view of wetlands in Alaska, near Katmai and Lake Clark National Parks | Photo by: Mark Rains

USF and EPA collaborate to improve nationwide water quality and management

Wetlands, such as swamps and marshes, have some of the planet’s most valuable ecosystems. They act like sponges, preventing pollution from seeping into streams and other bodies of water, yet the depth of their federal protection is murky.

April 20, 2023Research

Geoscientist Matthew Pasek

USF geoscientist discovers new phosphorus material after New Port Richey lightning strike

After lightning struck a tree in a New Port Richey neighborhood, a University of South Florida professor discovered the strike led to the formation of a new phosphorus material.

April 11, 2023Research

USF students Mahsa Afra (left) and Taha Chorsi (right) setting up the radar at Mauna Loa

Mitigating volcano hazards: USF students and alumna travel to Hawaii to study Mauna Loa eruption

A team from the University of South Florida is on the ground in Hawaii studying Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano in the world, to improve efforts that can help protect residents from lava flow.

December 19, 2022Research

Former USF geosciences graduate student Michelle Saunders surveys individuals evacuating during Hurricane Irma in 2017.

USF geoscientists deploy to study evacuation behavior ahead of Hurricane Ian

As the Tampa Bay region prepares for Hurricane Ian, a team of researchers is on the road to collect data on how individuals respond in a natural disaster.

September 26, 2022Research

Professional divers assisted researchers by searching for mineral overgrowths in Mallorca, Spain cave systems.

Hidden in caves: Mineral overgrowths reveal unprecedented modern sea-level rise

The early 1900s were an exciting time across the world, with rapid advances in the steel, electric and automobile industries. The industrial changes also mark an inflection point in our climate.

June 30, 2022Research

USF graduate students Stephen Hesterberg and Nicole Seiden measure the world's largest Florida horse conch at the Bailey Matthews National Shell Museum. (Credit: Lorin Buckner, Bailey Matthews Shell Museum)

Florida's state shell at higher risk of extinction than previously thought

The Florida horse conch population – one of the world’s largest invertebrate animals – is shrinking. Established in 1969 as the Florida state shell with a record length of two feet, it has become symbolic of Florida’s natural resources and widely used in advertising for the state’s tourism industry.

April 6, 2022Research

University of South Florida: A Preeminent Research University

Pollution and overuse threaten Florida's fragile freshwater springs

When the pandemic shut down Jason Gulley's travels, he shifted his attention to caves in his own backyard. Instead of rappelling a few hundred feet down vertical shafts in splintering ice, he swims deep inside underwater caverns in the porous limestone of the giant Floridan aquifer to document their failing health.

September 14, 2021Research

University of South Florida: A Preeminent Research University

‘Unusual mortality’: the plight of Florida’s manatees – in pictures

Seagrass beds along Florida’s east coast have collapsed, wiping out an important manatee food source. With nothing to eat, scientists are racing to save this gentle marine mammal.

August 26, 2021Research

Cărișoara Ice Cave's formations and underground glaciers

Could caves on other planets yield the secrets of the universe? USF Geoscientist Bogdan Onac and his international colleagues want to find out

USF School of Geosciences Professor Bogdan P. Onac documents millions of years of Earth’s natural history by exploring caves and lava tubes around the world.

June 15, 2021Research

Photo of hurricane

USF launches study to identify impact of COVID-19 vaccinations on hurricane evacuation behaviors

The University of South Florida is helping prepare offices of emergency management across the nation for the upcoming hurricane season by determining how COVID-19 may impact evacuation behaviors.

May 4, 2021Research

University of South Florida: A Preeminent Research University

A firsthand and photographic look at Florida’s manatees

Photographer and scientist Jason Gulley decided to use his camera to make people care about nature. As a research geologist, he has spent the last 16 years studying how humans have impacted our planet.

April 21, 2021Research

About Department News

A collection of articles showcasing the latest achievements, scholarly contributions, and exciting updates from our accomplished students, faculty, and staff. Stay informed and inspired as we celebrate the dynamic accomplishments within our Geoscience community.