Geology
Geology is the key to our ancient history. Entombed in the rocks beneath out feet is a record of the Earth as it was in every epoch, from the Cambrian, through the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous, through to the Anthropocene today. As well as the rocks themselves, the geological record contains details of the ancient climate, volcanic activity and magnetic field. Fossils contained in the rock can reveal details of ancient, long-extinct species.
A mysterious force under Antarctica is changing how its ice melts
Scientists hope new, autonomous drones will reveal the geological secrets that have lain hidden beneath Antarctica's ice for millions of years.
Best rock tumblers to buy in 2024 - rock polishers for beginners and professionals
Polish up on your geology with our picks of the best tumbling tech on the market right now.
Scientists unlock the secret to finding hidden rare pink diamond mines
A new discovery triggers a hunt for the Earth’s secret diamond-filled stretchmarks.
How radioactive is my house? (Do I need to worry?)
Homeware, foods and even where you live can expose you to different amounts of radiation.
Something very weird is happening inside Earth’s core. Here's what that means for the planet
The mysteries of Earth’s core – the deeper scientists look into the heart of our planet, the more puzzling it becomes.
What are trovants?
The staggering science behind trovants, the rocks that can grow, move – and reproduce.
Ultimate guide to Mars | Interesting facts, figures and fun questions about the Red Planet
Join us on a journey to the fourth planet from the Sun with amazing facts, incredible images and vital information about Mars.
7 books that will change how you think about Earth forever
Discover a new world of ideas and perspectives with these thought-provoking books that will transform the way you think about our planet, its inhabitants, and our place within it.
Earth’s inner core is slowing down its spin. Should we be worried?
The planet’s solid iron inner core has stopped spinning faster than the surface, a new study suggests.
What if there were no fossil fuels?
How different would our world look?
For those who like to rock: The most interesting rock formations on the planet
Take a look at a staggering variety of weird rocks from around the world.
The Earth's core is funkier than we thought
The motion of the inner Earth is in a constant state of flow.
A Year on Mars: What has Perseverance achieved?
It’s been a mission of firsts, and it’s still going strong.
How does geothermal energy produce electricity?
Geothermal energy is obtained by pumping out hot water or water through hot rocks and back to the surface.
The 7 best crystal making kits for learning about science in 2024
Teach your kids about chemistry with these fun crystal making kits.
How are lab-grown diamonds made?
Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but how are the lab-grown sparkling beauties made?
Joke's on us: Fool's gold may have contained the real thing all along
The sparkling-yet-worthless mineral pyrite was called 'fool's gold' after it deceived miners in the 19th Century. But perhaps they weren't so foolish after all...
Frozen lakes and underground waterfalls: Inside the Dark Star deep cave system
The Dark Star cave system in a remote corner of Uzbekistan might one day be crowned the ‘world’s deepest cave’. Hidden inside the subterranean labyrinth lie geological time capsules that hold the secret to Earth’s past and future climate.
Volcanoes, climate change and rock records: Chris Jackson's Royal Institution Christmas Lecture
In the first of three lectures broadcast over the festive season, geologist Chris Jackson will reveal what the Earth can tell us about its past, present and feature.
Oxygen from the Earth may be rusting the Moon's surface
Researchers think lunar haematite is formed through oxidation of lunar surface iron by the oxygen from the Earth’s upper atmosphere.
Astrogeology | How are we looking for life on Mars?
Planetary scientist Miché Aaron explains how oxalate minerals could point to the existence of life on the Red Planet.
Venus has at least 37 recently-active volcanoes
It was previously thought that the planet had cooled down too much to show volcanic activity.
Marvel at some of the most colourful places on Earth
Long-distance travel is currently off the cards, so we thought we’d bring some of the planet’s most spectacular natural places to you.
Mysterious Martian landforms made by mud, not lava
Mars's freezing temperatures led to unusual shapes that would never form on Earth.