Earth science
Jimi Hendrix called it the 'Third Stone from the Sun', James Lovelock knows it as Gaia, and to us it is our home, planet Earth. The atmosphere is a relatively thin blanket of gas, held in place by the Earth's gravity. Earth science is the study of rocks and minerals in the Earth's crust and plate tectonics looks at how movements of crust cause earthquakes and volcanoes. The 'Blue Marble' photo taken by Apollo 17 is sometimes credited for starting the modern conservation movement, because it underlines how isolated and fragile our planet is.
These are science’s boldest ideas to cool our heating planet
As Earth's climate continues to warm, experts are increasingly wondering if we could, and should, take more drastic action and start tinkering with the planet in the hope of saving it
A new mega-earthquake hotspot could be forming beneath the Atlantic
Mysterious earthquakes in the region have long gone unexplained
We can't predict when a mega-tsunami will strike. Here's why
The Kamchatka earthquake in July was the sixth-largest ever recorded, yet no major tsunami materialised despite millions of evacuations
A massive earthquake could be brewing beneath North America, study suggests
The only problem? No one knows when it will strike
Do the tides of different seas affect each other?
Thanks to its local geography, this coastal town is affected by tidal forces from two different seas
A 100 ft 'mega tsunami' could hit the US at any moment. And that’s only the beginning
This could be the biggest disaster in US history, and it just got a whole lot worse
The mystery of lightning may finally be solved
Intense bursts of radiation – usually spotted during explosions in space – may be caused by two charged pathways joining
Something strange is happening to Earth’s rotation. Now we know why
Earth is wobbling more than it should. Scientists say massive water losses are to blame
Scientists trigger Yellowstone ‘earthquakes’ to probe volcano’s depths
They created vibrations deep in the ground at 110 different locations to uncover the secrets of the supervolcano
Earth's core may be changing shape – and it has scientists puzzled
Strange changes to seismic waves deep under the planet could reveal unusual activity in the Earth's core.
The hidden climate tipping point scientists worry most about
With collapsing ice sheets, loss of the Amazon rainforest, and melting permafrost, key parts of Earth’s climate system are in trouble.
Here's how scientists are rewriting the origin story of Earth & life itself
Although key details are missing from the story of how our Solar System formed, recent discoveries are helping scientists fill in the blanks and understand how rare it is.
Human activity is changing Earth’s tilt and rotation. What does that mean for the planet?
Scientists have found that using underground water has more of an impact on Earth’s tilt than melting polar caps.
How the ancient Amazonian 'dark earth' could save Earth’s future
The mysterious, nutrient-rich soil of the Amazons might hold the secret to fight climate change.
Massive new energy source discovered hiding under Earth’s surface
Experts are divided over how useful it could be.
Top 10 largest rainforests in the world 2025
Rainforests are often referred to as the 'Lungs of the world'. But which is the biggest?
Hailstones the size of your hand could soon help us predict massive storms
Scientists have worked out the ‘anatomy’ of a hailstone to protect people from being pummelled.
How deadly is quicksand?
Turns out quicksand may not be as dangerous as you think.
Is it true you weigh less in Canada?
Data confirmed two theories decades after scientists discovered the phenomenon.
Mega-buildings are now slowing Earth’s spin. Here’s what that means for the planet
A huge dam in China is changing how long a day is.
Mysterious forces are causing Earth's continents to rise. Now scientists think they know why
When the continents split hundreds of millions of years ago, a chain reaction was set off with major consequences for the planet.
Northern lights tonight: How to see stunning summer auroras
Whether you’re in the UK, US or the rest of the world, auroras be visible tonight.
Pompeii disaster survivors were killed by second mysterious force, study finds
People fleeing the deadly volcano were doomed from the start.
Auroras could soon pose serious threat to our electrical infrastructure, study reveals
Sure, they’re pretty, but a new study has revealed how the northern lights can come with a nasty bite.
