Volcanologist Dr Chiara Petrone takes field notes in the shadow of the Popocatépetl volcano, central Mexico
Our researchers are tackling challenges in Earth science, from the formation of the solar system and the evolution of life, through deep time to the characterisation of new mineral species.
The Museum's vast collections of meteorites, rocks, minerals and fossils support our staff's expertise in natural resources, planetary geology and the evolution of life on Earth.
Vertebrate and anthropology palaeobiology
Anthropology
Studying the growth and development of early humans and modern people worldwide.
Fossil vertebrates
Investigating the role of vertebrate evolution in shaping the history of life on Earth.
Invertebrate and plant palaeobiology
Fossil plants
Using our palaeobotany collections to unravel the origins and evolution of plants over the last 470 million years.
Micropalaeontology
Reconstructing past environments and locating hydrocarbon reserves using our huge microfossil collection.
Fossil invertebrates
Using our fossil invertebrate collections to investigate the quality of the geological record.
Mineral and planetary sciences
Volcanology and petrology research
Investigating active volcanoes and other volcanic areas.
Extraterrestrial materials research
Exploring the origins and evolution of the Sun, planets, the Moon, asteroids and comets.
Mineral Sciences
The mineral sciences group manages one of the world's most significant mineral collections and researches the crystal chemistry and physical properties of natural inorganic structures.
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Economic and environmental Earth sciences
Researching the formation, discovery and sustainability of Earth's natural resources.
Core labs and consulting
Our research labs are available for complex analyses of mineralogical and palaeontological samples, including ancient DNA.
The life of a Museum scientist
Read the latest posts from our Earth scientists in the field and at the Museum.
Collections
Browse our world-class collections of meteorites, fossils, rocks and minerals.
Earth sciences news
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Science newsStromboli's 'rejuvenation' heralds era of more variable volcanic eruptions
An unexpected series of eruptions at Stromboli may be due to changes in the volcano's internal 'plumbing'.
16 December 2022 -
NewsStunning bright blue, red and pink minerals go on display at the Museum
The minerals, Tanzanite, Morganite and Rhodochrosite, are richly coloured, great in size and scientifically significant.
16 March 2022 -
NewsGreenland asteroid struck world recovering from dinosaur extinction
While its impacts are uncertain, it could have caused the world to warm significantly.
11 March 2022 -
Science newsVolcano 'recharging' can give clues about its next eruption
The way a volcano is filled with boiling hot magma can help improve forecasts of how it will next erupt.
7 January 2022
