Earth's Systems

More Stories in Earth's Systems

  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. Earth

    Scientists Say: Tectonic Plate

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

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  4. Climate

    Explainer: What is an atmospheric river?

    These long-traveling storm systems bring moisture to many parts of the world. Here’s what scientists are learning about them.

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  5. Earth

    A natural ‘cathedral’ lurks deep under Antarctic ice

    By drilling into this cavern, scientists have opened a window into the mysterious world of hidden lakes, their occupants — and rivers that run uphill.

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  6. Earth

    Under the ice, a hidden lake hints at its origin — and coming end

    Lake Mercer may serve as a model for better understanding the birth and life of Antarctica’s hundreds of subglacial lakes.

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  7. Agriculture

    Native Amazonians make rich soils — and ancient people may have too

    Modern Amazonians make nutrient-rich soil from ash, food scraps and burns. The soil strongly resembles ancient “dark earth” found in the region.

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  8. Tech

    Think of this new tech as sunglasses for our windows

    Keeping buildings cool can use a lot of energy. Thanks to quantum computing, engineers designed a coating to cut the warming light that enters windows.

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  9. Animals

    A love of small mammals drives this scientist

    Alexis Mychajliw’s science is driven by her love of animals. She now looks to tar pits and fossilized poop to understand ancient ecosystems.

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