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Some mafic rocks have a 40K/39K ratio lower than all other terrestrial samples, according to isotopic composition analyses, suggesting parts of Earth’s mantle have retained their composition prior to the Moon-forming impact to the present day.

China’s cropland soil experienced acidification between the 1980s and about 2013 correlating with nitrogen fertilizer application patterns, followed by heterogeneous soil pH recovery, according to combined regional surveys and machine learning.

The global topographic dichotomy on Mars is a fundamental feature of the planet, but its origin remains debated. The timing now seems right for a Mars orbital gravity mission that could test competing dichotomy hypotheses.

Stabilization of continental crust requires temperatures of over 900 °C, establishing a link between ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism and craton formation, according to a study of U and Th concentrations in metasedimentary and metaigneous rocks.

Particles produced by intense biomass burning can be transported, potentially by deep convection, in large numbers to the lower stratosphere, changing the stratospheric aerosol layer’s chemical and radiative properties, according to in situ measurements during an active fire season.

For research papers first sent for peer review from mid-August, authors will be able to choose whether to publish the reviewers’ reports and their responses with their paper.

A negative sulfur isotope excursion occurred across Eurasia during the last deglaciation. An analysis suggests thawing permafrost might be responsible.

Accounting for the rheology of Earth’s mantle calls for a re-evaluation of the seismic and tsunami hazard posed by subduction zones, especially in the Lesser Antilles.

Graphite, a mineral made of carbon atoms arranged in layers, was long overlooked. Augusto Nobre explores how isolating these layers to create graphene sparked a wave of innovation, reviving interest in graphite across the geosciences.

The melting of the last remnants of the North American ice sheets in the early Holocene led to 14 m of global sea-level rise, higher than prior estimates, according to proxy constraints from the Mississippi Delta and other localities.

Over a prolonged period of hydrologic drought, the major ion chemistry of a North American river dramatically shifted, revealing reduced lateral carbon transport due to secondary carbonate formation. These observations expose a natural limit to the inorganic carbon carrying capacity of rivers.

Modelling suggests the carbon cost for nitrogen assimilation by plants will rise substantially under future climate change with further increase at higher latitudes, due partly to enhanced contributions of soil inorganic nitrogen.

Climate and ice sheet processes in Antarctica increasingly reflect those observed earlier in Greenland. Applying process insights from Greenland can improve projections of future Antarctic ice and climate behaviour.

The onset of Southern Ocean convection following a slowing of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation during Heinrich events can help explain rapid CO₂ increases and Antarctic warming during these events, according to Earth system modelling.

High-resolution satellite maps of the contiguous USA spanning 35 years reveal a fundamental shift in land disturbances: the area affected by human-directed disturbances is decreasing, whereas land damaged by ‘wild’ disturbances (like fire, vegetation stress, wind, and geohazards) is surging. This work also uncovers evolving patterns in the frequency, size, and severity of disturbances.

A survey of geoscience researchers from across Africa highlights key challenges in conducting impactful research. Improved access to skills training can boost research success.

Geophysical observations and computer simulations suggest that a tectonic plate segment is delaminating in the area that generated a large earthquake that destroyed Lisbon in 1755. This rare oceanic delamination might be a precursor of subduction initiation, which could explain the cause of several large earthquakes in the Atlantic Ocean.

A review of observation-based evidence suggests that four interconnected Earth system tipping elements have moved towards their critical thresholds, highlighting the need for better monitoring and increased mitigation efforts.

Basalt clasts returned by Chang’e-6 suggest a lunar farside mantle potential temperature that is approximately 100 °C cooler than the nearside mantle, according to a petrologic study combined with thermobarometric modelling and remote sensing data.

Nutrient-induced soil carbon gains in grasslands can persist for decades after fertilization stops as long as the soil remains untilled, according to a multidecadal field experiment on retired agricultural fields with sandy soils.