OROG3NY

The overall rate at which rocks transform to other rocks under high pressure and temperature (metamorphism) is classically constrained from analysing samples that fit in one’s hand, or even smaller scales (for example powder). Our most recent paper presents a coupled geophysical-petrological model constrained by field data, showing that the apparent rate of transformation in the lower crust beneath the Himalayas fits very well the small-scale estimates. This is the first estimate over long time‐ and large spatial scales, demonstrating that regional metamorphic rates can be realistically upscaled for geodynamic modelling. Full details in this open access paper – the graphical abstract is here below.

If you wonder how the Swiss Geosciences community imagines the future of large research infrastructures, a recommended reading is the recently released report: Geosciences Roadmap for Research Infrastructures 2025–2028. With acknowledgements for all the work to all contributors, working group leaders, and the main authors Werner Eugster and Lukas P Baumgartner!

It has been a very wide-spectrum work for many of us, which lead to a recent publication lead by Iago Otero and the UNIL CIRM group on Designing Inter- and Transdisciplinary Research on Mountains: What Place for the Unexpected? The topic is complex and this work is a thought-provoking starter.

Our review paper on Building the Himalaya from tectonic to earthquake scales is just published in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment! Figure 5 got somewhat edited, the version with the originally planned colours is below for information.

Avec un colloque et une grande couverture médiatique, la série d’événements sur Les séismes de 1946 – Se souvenir pour se préparer au prochain tremblement de terre en Valais débute ce lundi 25 janvier. Découvrez toutes les informations sur le site web!

Here is a nice way of reaching the general public to raise their awareness about natural hazards: with a SONG! The Seismology at School in Nepal program has initiated the idea, and then the Earthquake Awareness Song was written and composed by Shiba Subedi, Pashupati Sharma and Devi Gharti, with a larger team performing the video clip. The song is in Nepali with English subtitles, so everyone can follow.

If you think it is worth supporting the development of the Seismology at School in Nepal program, please visit the crowdfunding campaign site.

Three years ago we started an educational seismology project in Nepal. Based on the success and positive feedback, we now aim to expand the project further across the country. The manpower is secured, yet the funds for new instruments is still lacking. Therefore we are now launching a crowdsourcing campaign to Help Save People in Nepal from Big Earthquakes: please see all details, including a 3-minute video by Shiba Subedi, on this GoFundMe page.

Since Sunday October 25th a series of small earthquakes occurred in the Canton of Glarus, near the village of Elm. The largest event so far was magnitude 4.4, the focal depths are shallow (ca. 1-2 km). So far no damage was reported. Further information and news are available at the Swiss Seismological Service.

The field season is likely finished as the first snow felt the day after this photo was taken…