Earth Science

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

Topics to Explore

99 Percent of Great Barrier Reef Green Sea Turtles Are Hatching Female

Cross Seas Are Rare But Dangerous

How did scientists find soft tissue in dinosaur fossils?

Gorgeous 'Jewelry Ice' Is Washing Up on Japanese Beaches Right Now

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Why Is the Tropic of Cancer Important?

You've probably heard of the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, but do you know the difference?

By Michelle Konstantinovsky Jan 1, 2020 Earth Science / Geophysics

Why Is the Tropic of Capricorn Important?

You've probably heard of the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer, but do you know the difference?

By Michelle Konstantinovsky Dec 31, 2019 Earth Science / Geophysics

6 Stone-cold Facts About the Arctic Circle

The Arctic Circle is a region marked by frigid temperatures, strange sunlight and glaciers galore. And for hundreds of thousands of people, it's also home sweet home.

By Mark Mancini Dec 16, 2019 Earth Science / Geophysics

Who Was the World's First King?

This is not an easy question to answer, thanks to the mists of time. But historians have put forth several possibilities. An ancient tablet claims one king ruled for 28,000 years!

By Nathan Chandler Dec 12, 2019 Earth Science / Archaeology

It Takes a DJ: Healthy Reef Sounds May Lure Fish to Damaged Reefs

If it looks like a party is on, maybe they'll come back. Playing the sounds of a noisy, healthy coral reef can attract important fish species to devastated reef habitats.

By Jesslyn Shields Dec 11, 2019 Earth Science / Oceanography

Why Does the 'Dirty Dancing' Lake Keep Draining?

Mountain Lake in Virginia is best known for its starring role in 'Dirty Dancing.' But today, it's nothing more than a muddy pit that's all but dried up ... and geologists think they may know why.

By Stephanie Parker Dec 10, 2019 Geology / Geologic Processes

How the Ancient Land Blob Gondwana Became Today's Continents

Gondwana was a humongous landmass that persisted for 300 million years before it began to break up, forming all the continents in the modern Southern Hemisphere.

By Jesslyn Shields Nov 15, 2019 Geology / Geologic Processes

Plate Tectonics Puts Together the Puzzle of Earth's Shifting Crust

The Earth is unique in the solar system because its surface is made of moving plates, which may enable the very existence of life.

By Patrick J. Kiger Oct 24, 2019 Geology / Geologic Processes

Green or Blue? The Best Turquoise Is More Valuable Than Diamonds

Cultures all over the world have treasured turquoise for its color and rarity for thousands of years — from Native American jewelry and Aztec and Mesoamerican art to King Tutankhamun's death mask.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky Oct 22, 2019 Geology / Minerals

The Anthropocene Epoch: Humans vs. the Earth

Many scientists believe that humans influence Earth at a rate so massive that a change to the geologic time scale is in order.

By Mark Mancini Sep 16, 2019 Geology / Geologic Processes

Female Citizen Scientists Set Sail to Tackle Ocean Plastic

EXXpedition founder Emily Penn will captain the 300, all-female crew in its first Round the World sailing voyage.

By Patty Rasmussen Sep 9, 2019 Earth Science / Oceanography

Cobalt: Essential for Batteries and Bright Blues

Cobalt is associated with the color blue, but it's so needed for rechargeable batteries that the U.S. put it on the list of minerals it can't live without.

By Dave Roos Aug 28, 2019 Geology / Minerals

There's a Rhino-shaped Cave in Washington State

It's perhaps one of the strangest fossils ever discovered. We'll explain how it came to be 15 million years ago, and how hikers found it in the '30s.

By Mark Mancini Aug 7, 2019 Geology / Paleontology

6 Tough Facts About Titanium

What's as strong as steel but half the weight; able to live in almost any body part and an important part of both airplanes and cake frosting? Would you believe, titanium?

By Dave Roos Aug 6, 2019 Geology / Minerals

Is Permafrost Really, Well, Permanent?

Permafrost across the globe is rapidly melting. What could this mean for the future of the planet?

By Mark Mancini Jul 24, 2019 Geology / Geologic Processes

Why Aren't We All on the Same Time Zone?

The world has only had time zones since the late 1800s. Some people think we should eliminate them and have just one universal time.

By Patrick J. Kiger Jul 16, 2019 Earth Science / Geophysics

What’s So Special About Platinum?

This white-hot metal not only makes beautiful jewelry, it's coveted for industrial, medical and military purposes too.

By Alia Hoyt Jul 11, 2019 Geology / Minerals

The Geology Behind 5 American Landmarks

The U.S. is full of exceptional geological formations. But these five set the bar high as far as landmarks go.

By Mark Mancini Jul 8, 2019 Geology / Geologic Processes

Toadstools Are Mother Nature's Geological Mushrooms

You can see these rocky formations in the Badlands of Nebraska, and they're as awe-inspiring as they are eerie.

By Mark Mancini Jun 28, 2019 Geology / Geologic Processes

Cross Seas Are Rare But Dangerous

Cross seas may looks super cool. But you never want to get caught up in the grid-patterned waves they generate.

By John Perritano Jun 27, 2019 Earth Science / Oceanography

A Season for Change: The Equinox and Solstice Quiz

Each year, Earth sees two equinoxes and two solstices. But how much do you actually know about these events? Take the quiz and find out!

By Alia Hoyt Earth Science / Geophysics

Fettuccine Rock Could Signal Life on Mars

If fettuccine rock exists on Mars, it would suggest the existence of microbial life there.

By Patrick J. Kiger Jun 13, 2019 Geology / Geologic Processes

Where Does Water Come From?

Water surrounds us, falling from the sky and pouring from faucets, and yet many of us never ask where it comes from. The answer stretches way back — before tides and thunderclouds to the big bang.

By Jonathan Atteberry & Ian O'Neill, Ph.D. Earth Science / Geophysics

The Rockin' State Fossils Quiz

To honor their prehistoric pasts, most U.S. states have designated official state fossils, ranging from trilobites to dinosaurs. Take our quiz to learn more!

By Mark Mancini Geology / Paleontology

What Is Cave Popcorn?

Caves are full of incredible geological formations, including stalagmites and stalactites. But you've probably never seen anything like cave popcorn before.

By Mark Mancini Apr 17, 2019 Geology / Geologic Processes