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.
For billions of years, Earth's continents have remained remarkably stable, forming the foundation for mountains, ecosystems and civilizations. But the secret to their stability has mystified scientists for more than a century. ...
Earth Sciences
Oct 13, 2025
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The exchange of water and heat between Earth and its atmosphere determines climate zones and ecosystems, which in turn influence where essential human activities take place.
Earth Sciences
Sep 26, 2025
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The ground-shaking that an earthquake generates is only a fraction of the total energy that a quake releases. A quake can also generate a flash of heat, along with a domino-like fracturing of underground rocks. But exactly ...
Earth Sciences
Sep 16, 2025
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303
The urban heat island effect describes the way urban areas get significantly warmer than the surrounding rural or suburban areas. There are a number of reasons why this occurs, although it can mostly be boiled down to the ...
A large region of unusually hot rock deep beneath the Appalachian Mountains in the United States could be linked to Greenland and North America splitting apart 80 million years ago, according to new research led by the University ...
Earth Sciences
Jul 29, 2025
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When summer turns up the heat, cities can start to feel like an oven, as buildings and pavement trap the sun's warmth and vehicles and air conditioners release more heat into the air.
Environment
Jul 23, 2025
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Due to the radiative thermal conductivity of the mineral olivine, only oceanic plates over 60 million years old and subducting at more than 10 centimeters per year remain sufficiently cold to transport water into Earth's ...
Earth Sciences
Jul 7, 2025
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How do you measure climate change? One way is by recording temperatures in different places over a long period of time. While this works well, natural variation can make it harder to see longer-term trends.
Environment
Jun 29, 2025
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103
The moon's nearside (that is, the side facing Earth) is dark-colored and dominated by ancient lava flows, whereas the farside is more rugged—and NASA researchers now suggest it's due to a wonky lunar interior. Using data ...
Planetary Sciences
May 17, 2025
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A new research study from The University of Alabama in Huntsville addresses the question of how much urban areas have warmed from the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect.
Environment
May 5, 2025
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