Earth Science

Earth Science covers all facets of how the earth works, from from volcanoes to the world's oceans.

Worldwide Droughts Uncover Ancient Relics, Ruins and Remains

450 Huge Geometrical Earthworks in the Amazon Hint at Past Civilizations

Ancient Egyptians Believed Cats Had 'Divine Energy'

What Are Geodes and Where Can You Find Them?

River-bottom Bones: The Strange World of Underwater Fossil Hunting

Is Africa Splitting in Two? Really? Here's the Scoop

10 Longest Rivers in the U.S.: From the Missouri to the Brazos

What Is the Smallest State in the USA? Looking at Area and Population

Venice Isn't Alone: 7 Sinking Cities Around the World

What Was the Largest Wave Ever Recorded?

Where Have All the Seashells Gone?

HowStuffWorks: 10 Weird Sea Creatures

Female Citizen Scientists Set Sail to Tackle Ocean Plastic

FIND OUT MORE

How Saber-tooth Cats Worked

FIND OUT MORE

Mexico's Giant Crystal Cave Is Beautiful But Deadly

FIND OUT MORE

Who owns the oceans?

FIND OUT MORE

Learn More

What Are the Biggest Lakes in the U.S.?

The United States is home to some truly spectacular lakes. Whether considering the massive Great Lakes themselves or deep alpine gems like Lake Tahoe, with its crystal-clear waters, America is well-stocked with many sizable bodies of water.

By Zach Taras

The Tallest Mountain in the U.S. and 7 Close Contenders

Although most of the highest mountains in the world are in Asia (looking at you, Mount Everest and Himalayas), the United States is home to some of the most breathtaking and impressive mountain ranges in the world.

By Talon Homer

The Cleanest Lakes in the U.S. Aren't the Same as the Clearest

American lakes are a vital feature of the country's landscape and cultural identity; from the Great Lakes in the Upper Penninsula to the picturesque Ozarks of the Midwest, citizens have flocked to these large freshwater sources for trade, natural resources and top-notch recreational activities.

By Mitch Ryan

Declaring the Largest Mountain in the World Is Complicated

If a random stranger were to stop you on the street and say, “Excuse me, but what’s the tallest mountain in the world?” you will probably give them the correct answer: Mount Everest.

By Zach Taras

How Do You Measure the Largest Waterfall in the World?

Waterfalls are easily among the most spectacular natural wonders of the planet. The constant flow of water can suggest infinity, and the raw sensations — the thundering roar, the rising mist, the sheer volume of water — attest to nature's grandeur and power.

By Zach Taras

What Is the Deepest Lake in the U.S.?

The United States has some impressive lakes, including some of the biggest bodies of freshwater in the world. If you're looking at a map, however, you can't necessarily determine how deep any of these lakes are. So if it's depth you seek, read on to learn about the deepest lake in the U.S., as well as several of the runners-up.

By Zach Taras

Andes Mountains: Home to Rainforests, Volcanoes and Alpacas

The Andes mountains span over 4,300 miles along South America's western edge, traversing seven countries from Venezuela to Chile. Famous for its towering peaks like Aconcagua and ancient ruins such as Machu Picchu, the Andes are a captivating mix of natural wonders and historical treasures.

By Desiree Bowie

What Are Geodes and Where Can You Find Them?

Imagine walking through a dusty, arid landscape when you stumble upon a seemingly ordinary rock. Its rough exterior might not catch the eye, but what lies within surely will. Geodes are one of natureâ€™s most spectacular treasures, offering a glimpse into the geological processes that shape our Earth.

By Clarissa Mitton

River-bottom Bones: The Strange World of Underwater Fossil Hunting

Winding through the South Carolina low country, the Cooper River is a reed-lined haven for sportfish and shorebirds. The waterway originates in Berkeley County's Lake Moultrie. From there, it proceeds all the way down to Charleston, where it merges with the Ashley and the Wando to form that city's world-famous harbor. (Ever hear of Fort Sumter?)

By Mark Mancini

What Was the Largest Wave Ever Recorded?

Scientists have long been fascinated by the ocean's dynamic nature, where the force of the water collides with atmospheric phenomena to create waves of monumental size.

By Clarissa Mitton

Is Africa Splitting in Two? Really? Here's the Scoop

The notion of Africa splitting has the attention scientists and geologists worldwide, as the Great Rift Valley stretches and tears at the Earth's crust.

By Clarissa Mitton

What Exactly Is the Eye of the Sahara, aka the Richat Structure?

In the western Sahara Desert lies a natural wonder that has intrigued scientists and adventurers for centuries. Known as the Richat Structure â€” or, more commonly, the Eye of the Sahara â€” this massive geological formation resembles a giant eye.

By Marie Look

The Driest Place on Earth: Chile's Atacama Desert

The Atacama Desert, situated in northern Chile, is not just any ordinary arid region. Spanning over 600 miles (965 km) along the Pacific Coast of South America, it is one of the most extreme landscapes on the planet. Thanks to certain oceanic conditions, there are areas that have received zero rainfall throughout recorded history, making the Atacama Desert the driest place on Earth.

By Marie Look

Caspian Sea: The World's Largest Lake (Yes, You Read That Right)

One of Earth's most interesting natural features, the Caspian Sea is the largest inland body of water on the planet, defying conventional classifications to be both a sea and a lake.

By Marie Look

10 Longest Rivers in the U.S.: From the Missouri to the Brazos

We bet you're looking up the longest river in the U.S. to settle a bet: Is it the Missouri River or the Mississippi River? It depends how you measure.

By Marie Look

What Is the Smallest State in the USA? Looking at Area and Population

The smallest state in the U.S.A. isn't the same as the state with the lowest population. In fact, the five smallest by each measure are completely different.

By Yara Simón