The far-reaching science of geology covers everything from ancient fossils to the precious minerals beneath our feet. At Live Science, we deliver geology discoveries that absolutely rock and help you to understand the makeup of our planet. Whether you want to know how to tell the difference between geologic ages, why Earth has a new geologic age or facts about an ancient supercontinent, our expert writers and editors have you covered with the latest geology news, features and articles.
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Stalagmites adhere to a single mathematical rule, scientists discover
Scientists discover all stalagmites growing from cave floors follow a mathematical rule that explains how these mineral formations develop into different shapes.
Satellites detected strange gravity signal coming from deep within Earth almost 20 years ago, study reveals
Researchers have discovered there was an anomaly in Earth's gravitational field between 2006 and 2008, potentially caused by a mineral shift deep within Earth's mantle. GRACE satellites detected a strange gravity signal at the time.
Plate tectonics may be why Earth has life — and the key to finding life elsewhere in the universe
Feature Emerging evidence suggests that plate tectonics, or the recycling of Earth's crust, may have begun much earlier than previously thought — and may be a big reason that our planet harbors life.
Sea of Saharan 'star dunes' clashes with otherworldly terrain where 2 countries meet
Earth from space A 2017 satellite photo shows the stark contrast along the boundary between a giant field of golden "star dunes" and a barren rocky wilderness in the Sahara, which overlaps with an international border.
Perplexing diamonds from South Africa mine contain 'almost impossible' chemistry
Seemingly contradictory materials are trapped together in two glittering diamonds from South Africa, shedding light on how diamonds form.
Weird glass in Australia appears to be from giant asteroid impact — but scientists 'yet to locate the crater'
Strange glass strewn across southern Australia appears to be from a mystery asteroid impact 11 million years ago.
Vast source of rare Earth metal niobium was dragged to the surface when a supercontinent tore apart
Potentially the largest known source of niobium discovered in central Australia formed 830 million years ago, and we can thank the breakup of the ancient supercontinent Rodinia.
Narusawa Ice Cave: The lava tube brimming with 10-foot-high ice pillars at the base of Mount Fuji
The Narusawa Ice Cave is a natural lava tunnel that formed during a violent eruption of Mount Fuji in A.D. 864. Every winter, the cave grows giant ice pillars due to its freezing temperatures.
Giant sandy 'slug' crawls through floodplains in Kazakhstan, but it could soon be frozen in place
Earth from space A 2022 astronaut photo shows a peculiar, slug-shaped dune field in the heart of the Kazakh Steppe. Signs of vegetation among the sand suggest these dunes are in the process of being fixed in place.
