Surface of the Earth

Learn more about the Earth's dramatic landforms, from the tops of majestic mountains to the depths of mysterious caves and everything in between.

Surface of the Earth Topics

More About the Surface of the Earth

  • Photo: Man swimming in cave

    Call of the Abyss

    An intrepid team of explorers broke the depth record in Krubera—the world's deepest cave. They'd barely gotten home before a second team went deeper.

  • Photo: Sand dunes in China's Alashan Plateau

    Alashan Plateau—China's Unknown Gobi

    Salty spring-fed lakes, towering sand dunes, and the ghosts of an ancient walled city lie at the heart of China's remote Alashan Plateau in the Gobi.

  • Photo: Surf pounds Cathedral Rock, South Africa

    South Africa's Teeming Seas

    Call it the greatest shoal on Earth. Cold and warm waters surge together off the coast of South Africa to create rich marine ecosystems and a billion sardines on the move.

  • Photo: Canyon walls and river

    Glen Canyon Revealed

    Drought drains Lake Powell—uncovering the glory of Glen Canyon.

Science News

Fieldwork

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National Geographic Blogs

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    NatGeo NewsWatch

    Keep current on developments in science, nature, and cultures.

  • epsilon aurigae star eclipse by disk - picture

    Breaking Orbit

    Join a discussion of all things extraterrestrial.

  • Photo: Adventure by boat

    BlogWild

    National Geographic explorers share tales (and photos) of their adventures.

  • Photo: Man holding skull

    Stones, Bones 'n Things

    Go behind the scenes of new discoveries with National Geographic scientists.

  • Photo: Coral reef with fish

    Ocean Now

    Join underwater explorer Enric Sala as he explores untouched reefs.

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