Earth Science
Earth Science covers all facets of how the earth works, from from volcanoes to the world's oceans.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Is Permafrost Really, Well, Permanent?
Permafrost across the globe is rapidly melting. What could this mean for the future of the planet?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Fettuccine Rock Could Signal Life on Mars
If fettuccine rock exists on Mars, it would suggest the existence of microbial life there.
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.
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!
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.
5 Things You Didn't Know About Paleoart
"Will draw dinosaurs for food" is what they like to think they do. But it's actually way more complicated.
5 Things You Didn’t Know About the Spring Equinox
The spring, or vernal, equinox traditionally marks the first day of spring — but climate scientists use a different date altogether. Find out more about this and other facts about the spring equniox.
Antarctic Prone To 'Ice Quakes' Every Night, Study Finds
Scientists set up two stations to capture this strange seismic activity.
Nevada's Fly Geyser Is a Manmade Wonder
The decades-old geyser was created by accident when a geothermal company tried to drill a well. Now the strange geyser is open to tourists for the first time ever.
Mexico's Giant Crystal Cave Is Beautiful But Deadly
Massive gypsum crystals were discovered beneath Mexico's Sierra de Naica Mountain in very inhospitable environs — to humans anyway.
Where Have All the Aquanauts Gone? The Story of Sealab
Sealab was a U.S. Navy program that allowed undersea divers to go deeper and stay underwater longer. So why did it disappear?
What Did Your Address Look Like 250 Million Years Ago?
The Ancient Earth visualization map shows the movement of the planet's tectonic plates in a really cool way.
Sastrugi: Nature's Beautiful Speed Bumps
Sastrugi are gorgeous snow formations found in the polar north, but they're also no fun to travel over.
Ancient Rock Arches Sing Songs
These ancient wonders aren't static sculptures; they vibrate and shift throughout the day, creating a variety of sounds as they stretch their aging, eroding 'bones.'
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