A centuries-old forest buried beneath volcanic debris has helped scientists pinpoint the timing of Mount Rainier’s largest lahar of the past millennium—to late summer 1507. New research published in #Geology used radiocarbon dating and dendrochronology to date the Electron Mudflow, a massive lahar that began as a landslide on Mount Rainier’s western flank and traveled more than 60 kilometers down the Puyallup River drainage into areas that are now densely populated. Researchers crossdated tree rings from Douglas-firs killed and buried by the flow, building a 475-year chronology and matching it against precisely dated tree-ring records from across the Pacific Northwest. The result placed the trees’ deaths in 1507 CE, while the partially formed latewood in their final growth rings narrowed the event to mid- to late summer. That precision matters. The exact timing provides new clues about what may have triggered the Electron Mudflow and helps researchers better understand the hazards posed by large lahars at Mount Rainier. The study notes that a similar high-mobility lahar today could reach the community of Orting within an hour, highlighting the importance of understanding events that may occur with little or no precursory warning. The new findings are gaining attention beyond the geoscience community, with the research recently featured by Smithsonian Magazine and The New York Times. Read the original research in Geology: geosociety.co/Black_et_al #MountRainier #Lahars #Volcanology #Dendrochronology #NaturalHazards

Every geoscientist has a story, and for Abdulfatah, it began with a passion for petroleum geology that has grown into a broader interest in understanding Earth's subsurface and using geophysics to solve real-world challenges. As a GSA student member, he's building skills through fieldwork, lab experiences, and collaboration—exploring the many paths a career in geoscience can take. His journey is a reminder that every field experience, every course, and every connection helps shape the scientist you become. Your journey starts somewhere too. GSA membership connects you to a global geoscience community, professional resources, and opportunities to learn, grow, and find your path. 🔗 Join today: geosociety.co/membership #GSA #Geoscience #GeologyStudent #Fieldwork #PetroleumGeology

Congratulations to GSA's own Ester Sztein on receiving the American Geosciences Institute's Award for Outstanding Contribution to Public Understanding of the Geosciences! GSA is thrilled to celebrate Ester Sztein, Director of International Programs, on this well-deserved recognition. With more than 16 years at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and a deep commitment to expanding access to geoscience education and fostering international collaboration, Ester has spent her career connecting people around the world with the value and relevance of the earth sciences. If you've attended a GSA meeting, engaged with our international community, or worked to advance collaboration across borders, chances are you've experienced Ester's incredible energy, passion, and commitment firsthand. Her leadership has helped strengthen our global geoscience community and inspire greater understanding of the role geoscience plays in addressing society's most pressing challenges. The award will be presented at the Friends of AGI reception on 11 October during GSA Connects 2026 in Denver—a fitting celebration for someone whose impact spans the entire geoscience community. We are so proud to have Ester on the GSA team. Join us in congratulating her on this outstanding achievement! Learn more: geosociety.co/ester-sztein-a… #Geoscience #GSA #AGI #WomenInScience #EarthScience