Evolution of Earth
The evolution of this planet and its atmosphere gave rise to life, which shaped Earth's subsequent development. Our future lies in interpreting this geologic past and considering what changes--good and bad--may lie ahead...
Features
Earth before Pangaea
The North American continent may be more nomadic than most of its inhabitants
The Mid-Cretaceous Superplume Episode
Earth has an erratic "heartbeat" that can release vast amounts of heat from deep within the planet. The latest "pulse" occurred 120 million years ago
Probing the Geodynamo
Scientists have wondered why the polarity of Earth's magnetic field occasionally reverses. Recent studies of fer intriguing clues about how the next reversal may begin
The Core-Mantle Boundary
This interactive zone may be the most dynamic part of the planet, directly affecting Earth's rotation and magnetic field
The Evolution of Continental Crust
The high-standing continents owe their existence to Earth's long history of plate-tectonic activity
Panoramas of the Seafloor
Modern sonar techniques map the continental margins of the U.S. and reveal the richly varied scenery usually hidden underwater.
Sculpting Earth from Inside Out
Powerful motions deep inside the planet do not merely shove fragments of the rocky shell horizontally around the globe-- they also lift and lower entire continents
Earth's Mantle below the Oceans
Samples collected from the ocean floor reveal how the mantle's convective forces shape Earth's surface, create its crust and perhaps even affect its rotation
How Erosion Builds Mountains
An understanding of how tectonic, erosional and climatic forces interact to shape mountains permits clearer insights into Earth's history
Earthquake Conversations
Contrary to prevailing wisdom, large earthquakes can trigger or inhibit one another in unexpected ways. This exciting discovery could dramatically improve scientists' ability to pinpoint future shocks...
The Threat of Silent Earthquakes
A lack of rumbling does not necessarily make an earthquake harmless. Some of the quiet types could presage devastating tsunamis or larger, ground-shaking shocks
Departments
- From the Editor
A Deeper Understanding
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