Researchers at TII have had their lunar research accepted for publication in Nature Communications. The paper unveils hidden magmatic pathways beneath the Moon’s Oceanus Procellarum region using gravity mapping data from NASA's GRAIL mission. The research indicates various volcanic systems could be connected by horizontal magmatic conduits stretching up to 150 kilometers beneath the lunar surface, offering the first evidence of long-distance lateral magma transport on the Moon. Why it matters: The discovery enhances understanding of volcanic processes on the Moon and solidifies TII’s position in space and planetary sciences.
A team from KAUST's Earth Science and Engineering program visited the site of the ongoing volcanic eruption in Iceland, which began in August 2014. Researchers monitored ground movements related to a collapsing structure near the eruption site using GPS instruments to measure vertical ground displacements. They aim to compare these measurements with satellite radar data to quantify volume changes before, during, and after the eruption. Why it matters: This study exemplifies the application of KAUST's earth science expertise to understanding and monitoring significant geological events, contributing to hazard assessment and risk management in volcanically active regions.
KAUST researchers are studying ancient supervolcanoes, like the Toba eruption 75,000 years ago, to understand current and future climate conditions. Volcanic eruptions serve as natural experiments that push the climate system to its limits, helping scientists understand climate's physical mechanisms. Research shows that volcanic eruptions delayed global warming by about 30% starting from 1850. Why it matters: Understanding the impact of volcanic activity on climate change can improve predictions of future global warming, particularly in regions like the Middle East which are strongly affected by volcanic events.
KAUST's Visualization Core Lab (KVL) has released inshimtu, a pseudo in situ visualization system for scientists working with large datasets and supercomputer simulations. Inshimtu simplifies the implementation of in situ visualization by using existing simulation output files without requiring changes to the simulation code. It helps scientists determine if implementing a full in situ visualization into their code is worthwhile. Why it matters: This open-source tool can improve the efficiency of supercomputing research in the region by allowing researchers to assess the value of in situ visualization before fully committing to it.
KAUST held the Imaging and Active Tectonics of the Red Sea Region workshop, gathering over 20 international and 30 local researchers. The workshop aimed to improve understanding of seismicity, volcanism, and Earth structure in Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea region. Participants came from countries surrounding the Red Sea, as well as the US, UK, France, Brazil, and South Korea. Why it matters: The event fosters international collaboration and data exchange to better monitor and model seismic and volcanic activity in a geologically active region.
Edward C. Stone, former Director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratories at Caltech, spoke at KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program in 2017. He discussed the exploration of Neptune's moon Triton, enabled by the Voyager 2 mission. The article includes images from NASA's Voyager 1 and 2 missions and a photo of King Abdullah. Why it matters: Such events and collaborations enhance KAUST's reputation as a leading science and technology university.
TII has launched AMALLOY-HT, the first metal additive manufacturing alloy designed in the Middle East for harsh operating conditions. The new aluminum alloy powder is designed for use in Powder Bed Fusion – Laser Beam (PBF-LB) systems. AMALLOY-HT demonstrates excellent thermal stability, especially in high-temperature environments (up to 300°C). Why it matters: This advancement positions the UAE as a key player in additive manufacturing materials research and expands the range of 3D-printable high-strength metals, enabling new applications in aerospace, automotive, and energy.