News Archive

Greater plant diversity in world’s drylands surprises scientists

Plant life becomes more diverse in drier areas of the world as it adapts to more arid conditions, according to a new study that has surprised scientists.

Stonehenge Altar Stone came from Scotland, not Wales

The largest “bluestone” at the heart of Stonehenge came from northern Scotland, not Wales, according to new research.  

Eisteddfod weather researchers ask for public’s memories

If you remember the scorching weather at the Cardigan National Eisteddfod in 1976 or, the strong winds in Tŷ Ddewi in 2002 or the rain in Anglesey seven years ago, researchers want your memories

£5 million funding to tackle challenges facing Wales’ rural communities

A partnership led by Aberystwyth University has received over £5 million in funding to research and explore solutions to rural challenges.

Royal Charter storm of 1859: how an almighty tempest led to the birth of the UK’s shipping forecast

Writing in The Conversation, Dr Cerys Jones from the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences discusses the Royal Charter Storm of 1859 and its enduring impact on weather forecasting in the UK and beyond.

Aberystwyth University showcases research to Ministers in London

Aberystwyth University scientists have discussed their research with UK Government Ministers at an event in London showcasing the very best of Welsh research and innovation.  

What will happen to the Greenland ice sheet if we miss our global warming targets

In an article for The Conversation, Professor Bryn Hubbard from the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences writes about a new study which suggests that the ice will survive if temperatures are soon brought back down.

Stonehenge Altar Stone did not come from Wales – research

The origin of the largest “bluestone” at the heart of Stonehenge has been thrown into doubt by Aberystwyth University research.

Twenty-three million exposed to metal mining contamination – study

Twenty-three million people around the world are believed to be affected by potentially dangerous concentrations of toxic waste, according to a new study.

Archaeologists discover world’s oldest wooden structure

Half a million years ago, earlier than was previously thought possible, humans were building structures made of wood, according to new research by a team from the University of Liverpool and Aberystwyth University.

Wales’ residential speed limit is dropping to 20mph – here’s how it should affect accidents and journey times

Writing in The Conversation, Professor of Psychology Charles Musselwhite and Professor of Human Geography Peter Merriman discuss the drop in Wales’ residential speed limit to 20mph and how it should affect accidents and journey times.

Geographers reach new heights to raise money

A team of Geography and Earth Sciences staff and postgraduate students have completed a challenge inspired by their colleague, and have raised over £2,000 for the Chemotherapy Unit at Bronglais Hospital.

Transport research boost with Aberystwyth’s South Korea partnership

Aberystwyth University has hailed a new partnership with Konkuk University in South Korea as a big boost for its transport and mobilities research.

Vulnerable rock-covered glaciers investigated by Aberystwyth scientists

Scientists are investigating the increase in rock cover on glaciers that can affect the speed they melt as the climate changes.

Research on rural support for disruptive political movements wins major European grant

The relationship between voter discontent in rural areas and support for disruptive political movements in Europe and the United States will be explored in a major study by an Aberystwyth University professor, following the award of a prestigious grant.

Distinguished Aber Geographers celebrate their Diamond Wedding

On 12^th August 1961, John Rodda and Annabel Edwards were married in the charming 15^th century parish church of Knowle in Warwickshire. They first met in the South Practical Room in what was then the Department of Geography and Anthropology on the old foundry site in Alexandra Road.

Climate change research festival at Aberystwyth University looks ahead to COP26 challenges

Climate change experts will gather at Aberystwyth University for a week of events to discuss challenges ahead of the COP26 summit.

Microbe build-up on Greenland could mean more ice loss says research

The Greenland Ice Sheet could be under threat from microbes on its surface multiplying faster than they are washed away in a warming climate, according to new research from Aberystwyth University.

Online engagement event set to encourage Girls into Geoscience

Young female and nonbinary people across the UK and Ireland are being encouraged to consider a career in geoscience with a virtual event day in June.

Fibre-optics used to take the temperature of Greenland Ice Sheet

Scientists have used fibre-optic sensing to obtain the most detailed measurements of ice properties ever taken on the Greenland Ice Sheet.

92% of Alpine glaciers could disappear by the end of this century, researchers say

Climate change could result in the loss of up to 92% of glaciers in the Alps by the end of this century according to new research findings.

Sea-level rise will have complex consequences

Rising sea levels will affect coasts and human societies in complex and unpredictable ways, according to a new study that examined 12,000 years in which a large island became a cluster of smaller ones.

Study highlights climate mitigation potential of encouraging Earth’s forests to regenerate naturally

Allowing forests to grow back naturally should be considered alongside other measures like large-scale tree-planting as a critical nature-based approach to mitigating climate change, according to a major new study that maps potential aboveground carbon accumulation rates for forest regrowth across the globe.

EU funding boost for climate change research

Three major research projects involving Aberystwyth University scientists have been awarded additional European Union funding of €4.5m (£3.9m).

New platform helps protect and restore threatened mangroves

A new interactive tool to help conserve and restore the world’s mangrove forests has been launched by a team of international scientists including Aberystwyth University.

‘Sweeping success’ for Aberystwyth University in Welsh awards

Aberystwyth University is celebrating after its lecturers won almost every award for excellence in Welsh-medium education this year.

Drones capture Greenland ice sheet fracturing as meltwater lake drains

Aberystwyth University researchers have contributed to a study investigating how the world’s second-largest ice sheet, and the single largest contributor to global sea level rise, is responding to the catastrophic drainage of large meltwater lakes that form on its surface.

Aberystwyth University declares climate emergency and commits to reducing fossil fuel investments

Aberystwyth University has joined organisations around the world in declaring a climate emergency and has taken steps to reduce its investments in fossil fuels.

What life was like in mental hospitals in the early 20th century

Writing in The Conversation, Dr Elizabeth Gagen from the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences, creates a portrait of Cefn Coed Hospital, which operated in Wales between 1932-2018, and provides a unique insight into life at a mental hospital.

Aberystwyth University pledge to reduce its use of single use plastic

Aberystwyth University has pledged to continually reduce its use of single use plastic.

New exhibition reveals Wales’ changing landscape

Satellite images that reveal how the global environment has changed over the past 35 years and the impacts on the Welsh landscape are at the heart of a new exhibition at Aberystwyth University’s Old College.

WISERD to receive major funding from ESRC for continuation of civil society research

WISERD, Wales Institute of Social and Economic Research, Data and Methods is one of four social science research centres in the UK to be successful in the highly competitive Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Centres Competition.

Aberystwyth hosts migration conference

Hate crimes, hostility and the response of civil society to migration will be the focus for a one day symposium held at Aberystwyth University on Tuesday 2 July 2019.

New research links with Patagonia

Two geographers from Aberystwyth University will travel to Argentinian Patagonia in March 2019 to build closer research links with the region.

Unravelling British wool: how the local and global are intertwined in the making of everyday products

Writing in The Conversation, Dr Jesse Heley and Dr Laura Jones from the Department of Geography discusses how the local and global are intertwined in the making of everyday products

Ice temperatures warmer than expected on world’s highest glacier

Ice temperatures inside the world’s highest glacier on the slopes of Mount Everest are warmer than expected, according to new research by glaciologists from Aberystwyth, Kathmandu, Leeds and Sheffield universities.

Aberystwyth University launches new Sociology degree

Aberystwyth University is launching a single-honours’ degree in Sociology, with students being recruited for 2019-20 entry.

Landscape detectives meet at Aberystwyth University

Geomorphologists from around the world will convene in Aberystwyth in September as Wales hosts the discipline’s top annual UK academic gathering for the first time in nearly 30 years.

Aberystwyth University leads £3m project for Wales’ growing geospatial and space technology sector

A major new EU backed initiative to help companies in Wales exploit the fast-growing spatial intelligence market is being led by Aberystwyth University.

Celebrating 100 years of Geography

More than 200 former students and staff gathered in Aberystwyth 29 June – 1 July 2018 to celebrate the centenary of the University’s Department of Geography and Earth Sciences.

Wine-savvy geologist publishes volume on vineyards

As wine producers increasingly proclaim the importance and the uniqueness of the soils in which their vines grow, a new book by an Aberystwyth University geologist looks at how geology can shape a vineyard and its produce.

Aberystwyth glaciologist recognised for Antarctic research excellence

Aberystwyth University glaciologist Professor Michael Hambrey has been recognised for his excellence in Antarctic and Southern Ocean research, and outstanding service to the international Antarctic community.

Why we’re drilling into the world’s highest glacier on Everest with a converted car wash

Writing in The Conversation, Katie Miles and Professor Bryn Hubbard from the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences explain how they are trying to understand the secrets of Mount Everest's glaciers.

New study shows significant thinning of Patagonian glacier

International researchers, including glaciologists from the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences, show that the Benito Glacier in northern Patagonia has thinned by 133 metres in the past 44 years.

Plastic ban isn’t enough so let’s take another look at personal carbon accounts

Writing in the Conversation, researcher Martin Burgess considers a Welsh Assembly supported feasibility study to look at piloting an environmental behavioural policy across Wales: personal carbon accounts.

A new, long record of African climate supports early dates for Out of Africa

New research shows that the climate of north east Africa would have favoured migration of early modern humans Out of Africa up to 70,000 years earlier than previous widely accepted estimates.

New study reveals how icy surface ponds on Himalayan glaciers influence water flow

The flow of water that supports hydro-electric and irrigation infrastructure in the mountain regions of Nepal and India is regulated by hundreds of large icy ponds on the surface of some of the world’s highest glaciers, Aberystwyth scientists have revealed.

Aber Glaciologists

Aber Glaciologists are helping to understand the processes that lead to Greenland ice mass acceleration

KESS 1 Year MPhil Scholarship

Aberystwyth University are seeking to recruit a 1-year MPhil to work on a project entitled: 

Pollution mobilisation and transport in former metal mining areas; towards a greater understanding of mechanisms and remediation strategies 

Operation Iceberg

The moment of birth of an iceberg has been analysed in detail for the first time, with the findings featured on BBC Two series Operation Iceberg which starts on Tuesday 30 October.

Flood Risk

Aberystwyth University experts warn that similar Ceredigion floods should be expected in future

Satellites View Habitats

The Countryside Council for Wales in Association with Aberystwyth University and Environment Systems has unveiled a project using cutting edge, space technology to bring maps of Wales' habitats right up to date.

International Glaciological Society British Branch Meeting 2010

The International Glaciological Society British Branch Annual Meeting will this year be hosted by the Centre for Glaciology at Aberystwyth University.

Aberystwyth Studies the Threat to Ice Sheet

Dr Alun Hubbard and his team from Aberystwyth University, study the threat to the Greenland Ice Sheet.