Geology

The strength of Earth’s magnetic field and the amount of oxygen in its atmosphere seem to be correlated—and scientists want to know why

Evidence from Earth’s deep past suggests dramatic subduction zones can spread like a contagion

This tally of animals’ effect on Earth’s geology, equivalent to that of thousands of extreme floods, most likely is an underestimate

A long-lost slab of Earth’s crust may be pulling away the bottom of the oldest part of North America, scientists say

China is blocking exports of these vital minerals. What makes them so special?

Trump’s tariffs put a spotlight on the uninhabited Heard and McDonald Islands, which comprise a remote volcanic refuge for penguins and seals and a UNESCO World Heritage site

Critical minerals are in demand around the world for military, technological and other uses. A geoscientist shares what’s known about Ukraine’s reserves, which could help the country recover from war

Scientists with a new theory about how Earth’s early continents formed predicted where a superold impact crater should be—then found it

Earth’s core is transforming, which could affect the length of our 24-hour day, Earth’s magnetic field, and more

Climate change may influence seismic activity as melting glaciers reduce pressure on quake-prone faults

It’s been a fascinating year in earth science—from mysterious “dark oxygen” to an “unidentified seismic object,” here are some incredible things we’ve learned about our planet in 2024

Plate tectonics, or the recycling of Earth’s crust, may have begun much earlier than previously thought—and may be a big reason that our planet harbors life