Earth's Systems

More Stories in Earth's Systems

  1. Archaeology

    Analyze This: Stonehenge’s ‘Altar Stone’ has mysterious origins

    After a century of searching for the source of the Altar Stone, scientists have yet to figure out where ancient people got the rock.

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  2. Climate

    Some tree leaves are finding it too hot for photosynthesis

    Earth’s ongoing fever threatens to push entire forests toward this heat limit — and possible death.

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  3. Oceans

    Explainer: Why are so many hurricanes strengthening really fast?

    This dangerous trend appears relatively new — and growing. Studies also have begun linking it to our warming world.

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  4. Earth

    To get diamonds perfect for Barbie, make and break a supercontinent

    Most pink diamonds may have formed billions of years ago during the tectonics that led to formation and breakup of Nuna, Earth’s first supercontinent.

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  5. Climate

    Let’s learn about why summer 2023 was so hot

    Human-caused climate change has played a big role in this summer’s historic heat.

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  6. Tech

    Gravity ‘batteries’ might help a weighty renewable-energy problem

    To store the energy generated by wind and solar power, researchers are looking at mammoth systems that raise and lower weights.

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  7. Earth

    Canada’s Crawford Lake seems to mark when the Anthropocene began

    Mud at the bottom of this lake holds a record showing how humanity has been changing our planet. But the Anthropocene isn’t an official new epoch yet.

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  8. Earth

    A volcanic eruption sparked the highest lightning ever seen

    The eruption plume spawned lightning that started 20 to 30 kilometers (some 12 to 19 miles) above sea level.

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  9. Earth

    Scientists Say: Tectonic Plate

    Tectonic plates are giant slabs of rock that make up Earth’s outer layer.

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