Photograph of the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Earth Science

Find quick answers here to frequently asked Earth science questions. More answers will be added regularly.

Last updated May 20, 2022.

Image above: The Grand Canyon, Arizona. Photograph by Jonathan R. Hendricks.

Topics

Climate and Energy

Fossils and Ancient Life

Climate and Energy

What Causes Climate Change?

Illustration that shows connections between all of Earth's spheres: atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere.

Why is Carbon Dioxide Called a Greenhouse Gas?

Illustration that shows Earth inside of a greenhouse.

How Do We Know That Humans are the Major Cause of Global Warming?

Photograph of a person holding a chunk of coal in front of a power plant.

Does the Ozone Hole Cause Global Warming?

How Can We Predict Future Climate Reliably When We Can’t Even Predict Next Week’s Weather Very Accurately?

Is Climate Change Too Big or Too Far Along to be Stopped?

What is the IPCC?

Is the Sun Causing Global Warming?

Are Volcanoes Causing Global Warming?

Are Orbital Changes Causing Global Warming?

Why is Sea Level Rising?

Geology

How did the Grand Canyon form?

Photograph of a crinoid fossil.

How do scientists date rocks and fossils?

Photograph of a crinoid fossil.

Where do volcanoes form?

Up-close photograph of gneiss, a type of metamorphic rock.

How do metamorphic rocks form?

Up-close photograph of gneiss, a type of metamorphic rock.

What is karst topography?

Up-close photograph of gneiss, a type of metamorphic rock.

Fossils and Ancient Life

Mammoth vs. Mastodon: What is the Difference?

Photograph of models of a mammoth and mastodon.