How has wind, water and other weather shaped the Earth? And how long has it taken?
See dramatic rock and mountain formations and a giant stalagmite, and find out how they formed. Discover how stones change shape and explore interactive exhibits in the Restless Surface gallery.
Star specimens and exhibits
- frozen lightning captured in desert sand
- the ancient life that makes up limestone
- interactive displays showing how wind and water can turn sand into waves
- a tombstone sundial
- minerals borne from the sea
Explore the galleries with the Museum map
Find out how to get around with the Museum map. There are four zones to discover.
Discover: the world around us
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Science newsMaterial necessary for life on Earth may have been delivered by asteroids like Bennu
Samples from the asteroid Bennu contain some of the ingredients needed for life to develop.
29 January 2025 -
Science newsMysterious Martian mounds formed by ancient water
Over 15,000 mounds are scattered across Mars’ lowlands – but until recently, no one knew how they got there.
20 January 2025 -
NewsDinosaur-killing Chicxulub asteroid came from the edge of the solar system
The prime suspect in the extinction of the dinosaurs was no ordinary asteroid.
15 August 2024 -
Science newsMicrobial structures in Antarctic lake could reveal more about how life evolved
Scientists are studying microbial structures in extreme environments to learn more about early life.
16 July 2024
