Plate tectonics, the geologic process responsible for creating the Earth’s continents, mountain ranges, and ocean basins, may be an on-again, off-again affair. Scientists have assumed that the shifting of crustal plates has been slow but continuous over most of the Earth’s history, but a new study suggests that plate tectonics may have ground to a halt at least once in our planet’... read full post picked by AutumnLotus 9 months ago

Geologists estimate that plate tectonics began during the Archean period, between 2.5 and 3.8 billion years ago - but they don't know what triggered it. Ancient Earth was too hot for the crust to solidify completely, and the lightest minerals would have floated to the surface over the entire planet, making the subduction of denser plate material unlikely. picked by AutumnLotus 10 months ago

As planetary mass increases, more heat is trapped and convection increases. As a result the shear stress within the crust increases too and plate thickness decreases. That means the plates are weaker and plate tectonics becomes "inevitable". picked by DrNothing 12 months ago

Our planet is changing before our eyes, and as a result, many species are living on the edge. Yet Earth has been on the edge of habitability from the beginning. New work shows that if Earth had been slightly smaller and less massive, it would not have plate tectonics-the forces that move continents and build mountains. And without plate tectonics, life might never have gained a foothold on our wor... read full post picked by AutumnLotus 9 months ago

The first direct evidence of how and when tectonic plates move into the deepest reaches of the Earth is published in Nature today. Scientists hope their description of how plates collide with one sliding below the other into the rocky mantle could potentially improve their ability to assess earthquake risks. picked by AutumnLotus 8 months ago

A mineral that acts like a sponge beneath Earth's surface stores more oxygen than expected, keeping our planet from becoming dry and inhospitable like Mars. The key to the abundant oxygen storage is the mineral majorite, which exists deep below Earth's surface in the mantle. Without the oxygen stockpile, Earth would probably be a barren planet hostile to life. picked by AutumnLotus 1 year ago

Whether or not you believe in a flat earth or a spherical one, this should still give you a chance to read about flat earth theory and post your views. picked by TheStep 2 years ago

The Japanese lunar orbiter "Kaguya" saw earth, moon and sun line up on April 6, 2008 and captured another "Earth-rise" and "Earth-set" HDTV video - this time when the Earth was full. picked by AutumnLotus 6 months ago

In this essay, the father of the SMART-1 lunar mission, Bernard Foing of the European Space Agency, looks at the effect the Moon has had on the Earth, and explores how different our world would be if we had no planetary companion. Would life have evolved differently, or at all without our Luna? picked by DrNothing 11 months ago

Primordial rocks found recently in Greenland show early Earth as dynamic place, complete with the same plate tectonic processes we see today. picked by tundramonkey 2 years ago

1. Gravity is not the same over the surface of the Earth, 2. Atmosphere 'escapes', 3. The Earth is slowing down... picked by ubikuor 1 year ago

Dr Chris MacLeod, from Cardiff University, said the Earth's crust appeared to be completely missing in an area thousands of kilometres across. He said it was an "open wound on the surface of the Earth", where the oceanic crust, usually 6-7km thick (3.7-4.3 miles), was simply not there. picked by Browntrout 2 years ago

The Flat Earth Society considers the notion of a round earth to be a conspiracy. picked by glik 1 year ago

Beetles first appeared on Earth at the same time as the earliest dinosaurs but turned out to be much better survivors, a new evolutionary study has shown. Today, there are an estimated 350,000 known species of beetle on Earth, and probably several million more yet to be discovered, say scientists. The insects account for about a quarter of all life forms on the planet. picked by AutumnLotus 10 months ago

Google Earth has some amazing and interesting images to be found. Here are a few, shown in video form (if you can ignore the cheesy music). picked by tundramonkey 2 years ago

Some crucial ingredients for life on Earth may have formed in interstellar space, rather than on the planet's surface. A new computer model indicates clouds of adenine molecules, a basic component of DNA, can form and survive the harsh conditions of space, and possibly sprinkle onto planets as the stars they orbit travel through a galaxy. picked by AutumnLotus 1 year ago

Desktop Earth is a wallpaper generator for Windows. It runs whenever you're logged on and updates your wallpaper with an accurate representation of the Earth as it would be seen from space at that precise moment.

This has been my wallpaper for about a year now. (Inspired to post it based on this post. picked by tundramonkey 1 year ago

Astronomers have spotted evidence of a second Earth being built around a distant star 424 light-years away. Using NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope, astronomers have spotted a huge belt of warm dust swirling around a young star called HD 113766 that is just slightly larger than our sun. picked by AutumnLotus 1 year ago

with my amazing 60% on our US citizenship score, i think i am the new leader of the pack unti those extra smart guys get back. in which case, we're all screwed anyway.

here's my fix. walk up the one in 5 of your friends who really truly believes that the sun revolves around the earth. then punch them. i think if you punch them often enough, they will come to their senses. picked by muppet 1 year ago

A combination of roads and some storm damage to trees created a very realistic Canvas-Earth type picture.

For those who don't aren't familar with the term, "Canvas Earth":
picked by 2manyusernames 2 years ago