Earth Science
The Secrets of a Shark Attack
In an attack against a Cape fur seal, a great white shark's advantage comes down to physics
December 12, 2011 |
By Sarah Zielinski
How to Measure the Moon this Weekend
The people of Byzantium viewed a lunar eclipse as a bad omen, but today it's just another time to do science
December 08, 2011 |
By Sarah Zielinski
The World’s Muddiest Disaster
Earth’s most violent mud volcano is wreaking havoc in Indonesia. Was drilling to blame? And when will it end?
December 02, 2011 |
By Erin Wayman
For Dolphins, Pregnancy Comes With a Price
A bigger body means increased drag, slower speeds and greater vulnerability to predators
December 01, 2011 |
By Sarah Zielinski
What We're Still Learning About Hawaii
The fiery forces beneath the island chain still mystify geologists
December 2011 |
By Erin Wayman
Ocean Creatures In A Warmer World
A new study finds that some marine organisms may have to move fast if they want to survive climate change
November 18, 2011 |
By Sarah Zielinski
Ecology Explains How the World Works
This is not a glamorous science; no one will ever accuse an ecologist of being in it for the money
November 08, 2011 |
By Sarah Zielinski
Thailand’s Flooding, As Seen From Space
Bangkok residents have to avoid the crocodiles let loose by the flood
November 04, 2011 |
By Sarah Zielinski
Five Last-Minute Science-Themed Halloween Costume Ideas
No one else will be dressed like dark energy
October 31, 2011 |
By Sarah Zielinski
A Ghostly Scream From the Sahara
Superstitious sitings may have a root in human evolution
October 28, 2011 |
By Sarah Zielinski
When The Skies Turn Black
There are signs when severe weather approaches, but are we paying enough attention?
October 17, 2011 |
By Sarah Zielinski
Photo of the Week: Anemone and Shrimp
One appeared on the very top of one of the highest fingers and grasped the tip in what appeared to be a moment of victory: King of the Hill
September 30, 2011 |
By Laura Helmuth
Building On A Barrier Island
These accumulations of sand aren't permanent but are home to whole communities
August 30, 2011 |
By Sarah Zielinski
What Happens To A House Swept Away By A Flood?
Flood debris may circulate in ocean gyres for years
August 29, 2011 |
By Sarah Zielinski
Q and A: Smithsonian's Elizabeth Cottrell on the Virginia Earthquake
A Smithsonian geologist offers her expertise on the seismic event that shook much of the mid-Atlantic this week
August 24, 2011 |
By Megan Gambino
How To Study A Volcano
Getting this close to a bubbling cauldron of lava is not just dangerous; it's stupid enough that even other volcanologists will yell at you
July 28, 2011 |
By Sarah Zielinski
Diamonds Hold Secret About Plate Tectonics
When it comes to diamonds in jewelry, perfection is everything. But imperfections are a clue to the past
July 25, 2011 |
By Sarah Zielinski
Where the Pacific’s Predators Go
Scientists have found that predator species trade off between prey availability and water temperature in their travels
July 21, 2011 |
By Sarah Zielinski
What’s the Most Dangerous Country?
Iceland is pretty much the least habitable of all the places that people have inhabited. But visiting it is like hiking through a geology textbook
July 07, 2011 |
By Laura Helmuth
Top Ten Kids’ Movies With a Green Theme
Loggers, hunters, developers, fishers, polluters and whalers are the evil villains in this movie genre
June 24, 2011 |
By Julie Mianecki
