The Late Miocene terrestrial climate in eastern North Greenland displayed elevated temperatures at moderate atmospheric CO₂ levels and was highly variable, reflecting the shifting orbital and ocean circulation forcings in the Arctic as the world cooled, according to proxy records from speleothems.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Barite is a relatively heavy mineral that is used in both the medical field and the oil and gas industry. Formed in marine environments, it also provides a valuable record of deep geological time.