HowStuffWorks "Earth Science"

WHAT'S INSIDE: EARTH SCIENCE

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

Geology
Geophysics
Oceanography

Geology
Geology is the study of the composition and physical properties of rocks, minerals, gems and other related earth materials, including diamonds and crystals. Scientists gain an understanding of the Earth's history by studying its composition.
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- Geologic Processes
- Minerals
- Geologic Time Scale
- Paleontology
Geophysics
Geophysics is the study of the forces that shape the Earth from a global perspective. Learn about gravity, plate tectonics and other topics.
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Oceanography
Oceanography is the study of the oceans as ecological systems. In this section, learn about topics like currents, deep-sea research or how rogue waves work.
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FEATURED: EARTH SCIENCE

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What would you need to explore an ocean on Europa, one of Jupiter's moons? Among other things, you'd need a submersible vehicle to explore the ocean and relate findings back to Earth. Stone Aerospace is developing just such a vehicle: the DEPTHX.

Why do scientists think we're nearing the end of the world?

In a purely symbolic but still unsettling move, the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists has moved the minute hand on its Doomsday Clock two minutes closer to midnight. Midnight is the end of the life as we know it.