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Geology: The Beginnings of the Planet Earth

Related Article: Learn more about Earth origin theories.

Five billion years ago, the earth was made of magma. Then, the surface hardened. Volcanoes formed as hot magma erupted from below, which formed both continents and oceans.

browse videos in geology

Why? Tell Me Why! Alaska Oil (1:30)

After spending a week in Alaska, Discovery News' Kasey-Dee Gardner wanted to find out why the state is so abundant in that resource.

How Blue Diamonds Work (1:29)

Watch this video about how blue diamonds work on HowStuffWorks. A flawless, 5-carat blue diamond ring is expected to fetch more than $6 million at a Hong Kong Sotheby's auction - this is more than typical gems and jewels two or three times its size.... More »

What Are the Odds? Yellowstone (2:52)

What are the odds a volcano will erupt in Yellowstone National Park? Learn more about odds in this video.

Sea Cliffs (0:41)

From the Archives of Discovery: Over time, the ocean erodes rock into dramatic and strange formations. Learn more about sea cliffs here.

Glitzy Gifts That Give Back (5:09)

The Diamond Information Center has spearheaded a project with four well-known charities in an effort to give back to those afflicted or affected by AIDS and Cancer. Shoppers will have the opportunity to purchase jewelry pieces with a portion of... More »

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Life - Earliest Evidence (3:01)

Rocks dating back nearly four billion years hold the oldest record of life on Earth, and possibly clues to the nature of life on other planets.

Life - Earliest Evidence (3:02)

Rocks dating back nearly four billion years hold the oldest record of life on Earth.

What Are the Odds? Yellowstone (2:52)

What are the odds a volcano will erupt in Yellowstone National Park? Learn more about odds in this video.

Sea Cliffs (0:41)

From the Archives of Discovery: Over time, the ocean erodes rock into dramatic and strange formations. Learn more about sea cliffs here.