Plate Tectonics
Latest about plate tectonics
![zealandia-map](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZaJW8tNqZfmMResGMTGPgG-320-80.jpg)
Earth Has a Hidden 8th Continent
By Tia Ghose published
The island nation of New Zealand may be the tiny chunk of a massive continent that lurks mostly under the Pacific Ocean, new research suggests.
![zircon from island of mauritius](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fbUKduM8kDgAxPtaqexMQh-320-80.jpg)
3-Billion-Year-Old 'Lost Continent' Lurking Under African Island
By Tia Ghose published
The remnants of a 3-billion-year-old continent are lurking under the African island of Mauritius, new research confirms.
![erta-ale-volcanic-activity-nasa](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aXqtMSiz89uei2Z4MWuqHH-320-80.jpg)
'Gateway to Hell': Volcano Caught Spewing Lava in Satellite Image
By Kacey Deamer published
Ethiopia’s most active volcano has seen a surge of recent activity.
![An illustration of Earth's layers, including the mantle and inner core.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MhRhAJTv5TcEh6soRt6Emb-320-80.jpg)
Stash of Water May Be Lurking Deep Beneath Earth's Surface
By Taylor Kubota published
A trove of water locked up in the mineral brucite may be hiding out more than 250 miles beneath Earth's surface, geoscientists have found.
![2011 Japan Earthquake Debris](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EVt8pX7YE2gix2K7JWXeTg-320-80.jpeg)
Why Do So Many Big Earthquakes Strike Japan?
By Denise Chow published
Over the course of its history, Japan has seen its share of shaking, but what makes this part of the world so susceptible to big earthquakes?
![map of fault rupture along Kaikoura fault](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BbUwxyLptiSbJP7e3vVv8D-320-80.jpg)
New Zealand Quake Ruptured 6 Faults
By Tia Ghose published
The magnitude-7.8 Kaikoura earthquake that struck the South Island of New Zealand early Monday (Nov. 14) ruptured six faults, images reveal.
![7.8-magnitude earthquake in New Zealand](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SKAARbSvFgAYhM63294P7c-320-80.jpg)
New Zealand Quake's Strange Side Effect: What Are Earthquake Lights?
By Tia Ghose published
After the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in New Zealand, bystanders reported flickering green and blue lights that are known as earthquake lights.
![Australia Map](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4ZjmWMzDiqSqxRRNGDnJWL-320-80.jpeg)
Australian Continent Moves as Seasons Change
By Tia Ghose published
The entire continent of Australia shifts a detectable amount thanks to seasonal movements of water across the globe, new research shows.
Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now
Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.