Geology

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.

The 7 best crystal making kits for learning about science in 2024

Teach your kids about chemistry with these fun crystal making kits.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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What are trovants?

The staggering science behind trovants, the rocks that can grow, move – and reproduce.
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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.
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The Earth's core is funkier than we thought

The motion of the inner Earth is in a constant state of flow.
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A Year on Mars: What has Perseverance achieved?

It’s been a mission of firsts, and it’s still going strong.
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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.
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How are lab-grown diamonds made?

Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but how are the lab-grown sparkling beauties made?
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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...
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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.
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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.
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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.
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