Planet Earth
Earth is one big spinning mystery in a constant state of change. With more than 4.5 billion years of history locked inside a ball of molten rock and iron, our planet is made up of a vast array of geological wonders, carved by the oceans, shaped by the shifting plates beneath our feet and sculpted by weather across the surface.
Our team of expert science writers and editors are here to reveal our planet’s secrets — from the deepest depths of the ocean, through the coldest places on Earth to the very edge of space — keeping you up to date with the latest discoveries with planet Earth news, articles and features.
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Aftershocks from devastating 1886 Charleston earthquake may still be hitting the US today
By Patrick Pester published
Researchers have found evidence that aftershocks may continue for centuries after a major earthquake — though the finding is still open for debate.
Iceland volcano LIVE: Risk of eruption appears to be decreasing
By Hannah Osborne, Sascha Pare, Harry Baker last updated
LIVE Latest updates on the imminent volcanic eruption in Iceland, which threatens local towns and the famous Blue Lagoon spa resort following a series of earthquakes and the appearance of sinkholes.
Seamount twice the size of world's tallest building discovered 'hidden under the waves'
By Sascha Pare published
Scientists aboard the Falkor (too) research vessel have documented, for the first time, an extinct volcano towering 5,250 feet above the seabed in international waters in the Pacific Ocean.
'It may take more time': Risk of eruption from Iceland volcano still high, with ground 'continuing to swell'
By Hannah Osborne published
Almost two weeks after the town of Grindavík was evacuated over fears of a volcanic eruption, the magma dike beneath Iceland still poses a high risk, with earthquakes and ground deformation ongoing.
Water leaking into Earth's core may have birthed a mysterious layer that churns out crystals
By Harry Baker published
A new series of experiments has shown that the mysterious "E-prime layer," which surrounds Earth's outer core, is created by water that leaks deep into our planet's interior.
'Missing' blob of water predicted to be in the Atlantic finally found
By Ben Turner published
The newly discovered water mass, called the Atlantic Equatorial Water, stretches from Brazil to West Africa.
Iceland volcano could burst like a 'fizzy drink,' with lava reaching Blue Lagoon resort in days
By Hannah Osborne published
Magma building beneath Iceland may break through the surface in a volcanic eruption, sending lava flows toward the Blue Lagoon, the Svartsengi geothermal power plant and the town of Grindavík.
What will happen if the Iceland volcano finally erupts?
By Harry Baker published
Explainer Experts have warned that an underground magma tunnel between a pair of Icelandic towns could erupt at any moment. But what will this eruption look like? And how far-reaching will its effects be?
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