GeoLog

planets

July GeoRoundUp: the best of the Earth sciences from around the web

August 1, 2018
July GeoRoundUp: the best of the Earth sciences from around the web
The Mars Express spacecraft probing the southern hemisphere of Mars. Credit: ESA/INAF/Davide Coero Borga.

Drawing inspiration from popular stories on our social media channels, as well as unique and quirky research news, this monthly column aims to bring you the best of the Earth and planetary sciences from around the web. Major stories   Signs of water 55 million kilometres away Last week scientists announced that they have found signs of existing water on Mars, offering new hope to the possibility o ...[Read More]

How to make a planet habitable

April 11, 2018
How to make a planet habitable
The surface of Venus - a static lithosphere, known as a stagnant lid. Credit: NASA.

Exoplanets without plate tectonics could harbour life, contrary to previous belief For a planet to be habitable, it needs a stable climate. On Earth, the movement of tectonic plates ensures old crust is recycled and new crust is created and weathered. This cycling of rock consequently overturns the planet’s carbon, which keeps the climate in check. While we have plate tectonics on Earth, many othe ...[Read More]