Volcanoes are mysterious. Many questions remain about how and why they erupt.  Dr. Gary Michelfelder, associate professor of geology, leads research at five active volcanoes in the Central Andes of Chile and Bolivia that just might provide some answers.  These volcanoes have one important thing in common: a large reservoir of magma, the molten rock material of Earth’s … [Read more...] about Answering some of volcanoes’ burning questions

Financial freedom, a smaller footprint, real ownership, less maintenance and minimalism. These are some of the drivers for the tiny house movement. Dr. Krista Evans, assistant professor of geography and planning at Missouri State University, researches this phenomena. When she moved to Missouri State, Springfield was in the early development of Eden Village. That’s when … [Read more...] about How tiny house communities serve homeless

If you lived on top of a sinkhole, would you want to know?  “When a house falls into a sinkhole, neighbors clamor for information. They ask if their house is next,” said Dr. Doug Gouzie, geology professor at Missouri State University. “It’s unimaginable and devastating, but I think they might not really want the answer to that question.”  Gouzie studies land formations, like … [Read more...] about Sinking suspicions: Predicting future disasters

The Ozarks region is known for its rich natural resources. Forests. Lakes. Rivers. Streams. And they’re all interconnected. Proper management of these natural resources ensures they’ll be available for people to enjoy for many years. Dr. Robert Pavlowsky, director of the Ozarks Environmental and Water Resources Institute and  distinguished professor of geography at Missouri … [Read more...] about Securing natural resources for the Ozarks

Hundreds of volcanoes exist in the United States. Most are considered dormant and haven’t erupted for more than 10,000 years. That doesn’t mean they can’t or won’t. Dr. Gary Michelfelder, assistant professor in the department of geography, geology and planning at Missouri State University, says faraway volcanoes affect our lives every day. “Large … [Read more...] about Having a blast with liquid hot magma