Earth

Earth

The Pacific Ocean’s bald spot

A large swath of seafloor at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean lacks sediment.

Earth

Bugs with gas

Microbes living in sand under the sea may produce gases such as propane.

Climate

Hot summers, wild fires

Rising temperatures and earlier snowmelts in the western United States have intensified forest fires.

Oceans

Surf watch

Figuring out the waves and the wind is an important part of surfing.

Environment

Pollution detective

A science fair project tackles contaminated drinking water and mosquito growth.

Plants

Pumping up poison ivy

Boosting carbon dioxide levels makes poison ivy grow faster and become more toxic.

Animals

Missing moose

By studying population patterns, scientists hope to figure out why moose in some areas are in trouble.

Earth

A great quake coming?

The 100th anniversary of the great San Francisco earthquake is a reminder that future quakes could cause even more damage.

Earth

Coral islands survive a tsunami

Tiny islands far out in the ocean can weather the giant waves of a tsunami.

Environment

Bald eagles forever

The U.S. bald eagle population is on the rise.

Environment

Coral gardens

An expedition to an undersea mountain reveals large corals, brilliant sponges, and other strange sea creatures.

Climate

Warmest year on record

Last year's worldwide average temperature was the highest ever recorded by scientists.