Heat flow (Earth) refers to the conductive and convective transfer of thermal energy from Earth’s interior to its surface, quantified as heat flux (typically in mW/m²). It arises from the decay of radiogenic isotopes (primarily U, Th, K) in the crust and mantle, residual primordial heat from accretion and core formation, and secular cooling of the core. Measured using borehole temperature gradients and thermal conductivity of rocks, terrestrial heat flow constrains models of lithospheric thickness, mantle convection, plate tectonics, and the global energy budget, and is spatially heterogeneous, with elevated values at mid-ocean ridges and volcanic regions and lower values in stable cratons.
New research from The University of Manchester has found that urban canals can cool their immediate surroundings by more than 2°C during heat waves.
Environment
4 hours ago
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At the top and bottom of the planet, the seasons arrive on a schedule all their own. Satellite data from a mission measuring infrared energy reveal just how differently—and how dramatically—surface temperatures swing across ...
Environment
5 hours ago
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Contrary to conventional geological thinking, the Hawaiian mantle plume has gotten hotter by about 250°C (480°F) over the past 47 million years. This discovery, led by Earth scientists at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, ...
Earth Sciences
Jul 14, 2026
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The world's oceans are the hottest on record for June, pushing past records set during the 2023–24 El Niño years.
Environment
Jul 5, 2026
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Communities around the world have adapted to live on the year-round frozen soil of frigid environments, such as in the Arctic. However, rising temperatures have introduced a new challenge: What happens when the ground under ...
Earth Sciences
Jun 16, 2026
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The temperature of rivers is something most people think about only if they plan to go swimming, kayaking or spend a day fishing. Few consider how it could potentially affect their electricity bill.
Earth Sciences
Jun 12, 2026
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Heat waves across Europe and South Asia have dominated the news recently. But these events are really a surface expression of more fundamental changes affecting our planet: Earth itself is accumulating heat faster than ever ...
Planetary Sciences
Jun 11, 2026
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Evapotranspiration is a critical link between water, energy, and carbon. Scientists need to understand it well to accurately predict weather, droughts, streamflows, and even carbon emissions.
Environment
May 20, 2026
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More than half the world's population now lives in cities that are often much hotter than their rural surroundings. Roads, buildings and paved surfaces absorb and store heat during the day, then release it slowly after sunset. ...
Environment
May 19, 2026
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Thawing permafrost buried underneath rivers may be accelerating permafrost degradation faster than previously estimated in these inundated regions, according to new research shared at the 2026 SSA Annual Meeting.
Environment
Apr 18, 2026
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