Resembling a landscape from an alien planet, the Danakil Depression in Ethiopia is the hottest place on Earth and it is home to acidic pools, sulfur springs, lava lakes, and salt flats. Yet, life somehow finds a way to survive. How is that even possible? Explore the geology of this region to understand what creates such an extreme environment: from the extreme heat to sulfur springs, lava lakes, and salt flats. Discover the remarkable microorganisms that call this toxic infer

Erupting with fiery rage, reshaping landscapes, and revealing secrets from deep within our planet, volcanoes offer a glimpse into our planet’s geological history. But what are volcanoes? And how do volcanoes form? What causes volcanic eruptions? And why are some volcanoes gentle while others explode with devastating force? Discover the fascinating science behind how volcanoes work, explore the different types of volcanoes, and the powerful impact they have in shaping our worl

Uncover the differences between rocks, minerals, and gemstones, discover how they are all formed, and explore examples from each category.

Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland is a fascinating geological wonder whose creation originates both in geology and Irish mythology. From a geological perspective, Giants Causeway in Ireland was formed by ancient lava that moulded the hexagonal basalt columns at the site. From a mythological perspective, Giants Causeway was created by the ancient giant Finn McCool (Fionn MacCumhaill) as a bridge to Scotland’s Isle of Staffa, where his rival, a Scottish giant named Benandonn

What is magma? Magma is a super-hot viscous material that consists of molten and semi-molten rock that flows deep beneath the Earth’s surface. Depending on the chemical composition of the magma, there are three magma categories: basaltic magma, andesitic magma, and rhyolitic magma. There are different mechanisms for magma formation: partial melting, decompression melting, and flux-induced melting. When magma breaks through the earth’s surface, the magma that reaches the surfa

Diamonds are minerals composed of carbon that come from deep volcanic eruptions in the Earth's mantle and were formed billions of years ago.