Seeing through the cracks
In the wake of Japan’s largest earthquake, MIT scientists look for geological clues to explain its devastating magnitude
Reading Earth’s magnetic history
New tool allows unprecedented accuracy in dating of some seafloor rocks, with potential to help climate analysis.
Earth’s final growth spurt
NASA team suggests that massive projectiles added mass to Earth, Mars and the Moon during final phase of planet formation
Growing Earth’s oceans
Study suggests that trace amounts of water created oceans on Earth and other terrestrial planets, including those outside the solar system.
Tracing Earth’s history
Geologists aim to improve the accuracy of their process for dating ancient rocks.
Telling time on the moon
New map of lunar craters sheds light on early solar-system activity and points to oldest parts of the moon’s surface.
Bursting a bubble?
A generally accepted theory explaining the frequent eruptions at Italy’s Stromboli volcano is called into question by new research.
A look back in time
By linking the odd geometry of bacterial growths to photosynthesis, researchers may have a new way to study Earth’s oldest fossils.
Genes as fossils
MIT researchers discover the DNA responsible for creating fossil-like molecules found in ancient rocks.
Volcanic Venus
New research highlights recent volcanic activity on Venus, indicating that Earth’s sister planet is alive — geologically speaking
Figuring out where to put the carbon
If we plan to keep using fossil fuels, we need to figure out how to sequester the resulting carbon dioxide. New tools from MIT could help evaluate where to do it — and how to keep it contained.
A new day dawned fast
Recovery from marine mass extinction happened much faster than thought, high-resolution research finds