Explore the World Through Geography, Natural Resources & Daily History
Clear, reliable and engaging guides that help you understand our planet — from UK geography education to global natural resources and On This Day history events.
Explore, discover, and learn about the wonders of our world! At Earth Site, we’re passionate about bringing geography, history, and science to life for curious minds of all ages. Whether you’re delving into historical events, uncovering the mysteries of the natural world, or seeking interactive resources, you’re in the right place.
Here, you can uncover the stories behind historical events, explore the natural wonders of our planet, and gain valuable insights into how the Earth’s systems shape our daily lives. From the towering peaks of mountain ranges to the far-reaching impacts of human innovation, we aim to make every topic both engaging and informative.
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What We Cover
Earth Site brings together engaging and accessible educational content designed to help you understand the world, its history, and its natural systems.
🌍 Geography Education (UK & Worldwide)
We publish clear, easy-to-understand geography resources for students, teachers and curious learners. Our guides support geography education in the UK and cover physical geography, climate, ecosystems, population, and global development.
⛏️ Natural Resources & Environmental Geography
Explore detailed country profiles covering natural resources, mining, energy, geology and global environmental challenges. We show how nations manage minerals, water, land and ecosystems, and why these resources matter.
📅 On This Day in History
Every day has a story. Our On This Day history series features major events, anniversaries, traditions, and cultural milestones from around the world — with timelines, context, and fun facts.
TIMELINE
Order of Functions
To ensure uniformity, and prevent mistakes, there are rules on the order to calculate maths problems and this is known as the order of functions. What is the order of functions? Brackets in sums Multiplication or Division Addition and Subtraction What is the order of functions? To ensure uniformity, and prevent mistakes, there are rules on the order to calculate maths problems and this is known as the order of functions. In life you may come across a maths problem which looks something like this. Example 1 12 + 4 X 5 This sum can be calculated in two ways. Either you add the 12 to the 4 equalling 16 and then multiply that by 5 giving the answer of 80. Or you may multiply 4 X 5 which is 20 and then add the 12 giving the answer of 32. So as you can see getting the correct order of functions is vital to getting the right answer, but which of these is correct? You may think the logical move would be to calculate as it is written i.e. left to right but this is not the correct order of functions. Brackets in sums The rules for the order of functions are as follows. The first thing to look for in an equation is brackets. If part of the equation is in brackets then this needs to be calculated first. Example 2 5 X (3 + 7) So first you add the 3 and 7 which is 10 and then...
Nuclear Reactions
Nuclear reactions are reactions that change the nucleus of atoms and are caused by special circumstances, such as Nuclear Fusion or Nuclear Fission. What are Nuclear Reactions? Nuclear Fusion Nuclear Fission Forces that Hold Atoms Together How nuclear reactions produce energy What are Nuclear Reactions? Nuclear reactions are reactions that change the nucleus of atoms and are caused by special circumstances, such as Nuclear Fusion or Nuclear Fission. Although Radioactive Decay is a reaction affecting the nucleus of atoms it is spontaneous and would happen naturally due to the instability of atoms requiring no special circumstances or intervention. Nuclear Fusion Nuclear fusion currently only occurs in the unique setting of stars. It is the fusion of atomic nuclei that produces the energy that powers the star (and therefore life on earth). Although it does occur naturally, extreme temperature and pressure are required to begin the process of nuclear fusion. Under the immense gravity of the star the state of the hydrogen changes from gas to plasma and at about 10 million degrees centigrade the process of nuclear fusion can begin. Individual protons combine, with some converting to neutrons, making deuterium, helium and more massive elements. With each fusion of nuclei into more massive elements mass is lost due to binding energy and this loss of mass becomes energy which helps sustain the process and power the star. The energy produced from nuclear fusion is four times more powerful than that produced in nuclear fission and about 4 million times greater than any chemical reaction. Fusion also...
Radioactive Decay
Radioactive Decay is the spontaneous change to the nucleus of an unstable atom. Radioactive decay Alpha Decay Beta Decay Radioactive decay Elements are arranged in the periodic table by their atomic number which is the number of protons in its nucleus. Although every atom of an element has the same number of protons, some elements have varying amounts of neutrons. For example carbon is most commonly found in the form of 6C12 meaning that it has 6 protons and 6 neutrons in its nucleus (neutrons = nucleons – protons), however another form of carbon found naturally is 6C14 meaning that although it still has the 6 protons it also has an extra pair of neutrons. This form of carbon containing the extra pair is known as an isotope or nuclide of carbon (carbon-14). Alpha Decay Alpha decay is when the nucleus of an unstable isotope spontaneously changes into another nucleus, producing an alpha particle in the process. An alpha particle is a particle made up of two protons and two neutrons like a helium atom. An example of this process is uranium-238 which forms a thorium-234 and an alpha particle. Beta Decay Radioactive decay occurs when an isotope of an element like carbon-14 which is unstable and spontaneously changes. In the case of carbon-14 converts one of its extra neutrons into a proton and electron forming a nitrogen ion (an ion is an atom that has either gained or lost an electron giving it positive or negative electrical charge). This reaction takes place in the form of beta decay which requires the loss or gain...
Nuclear Fission
Nuclear fission occurs when a large atomic nucleus is split by means of neutron bobardment into smaller nuclei. Nuclear Fission Where the energy comes from in Nuclear Fission? Induced Nuclear Fission Nuclear Fission Reactors Why use Uranium for Nuclear Fission? Difficulties with nuclear fission as an energy source Nuclear Fission and the environment Plutonium Fast Breeder Reactors Nuclear Fission Nuclear fission occurs when an atomic nucleus is split into smaller nuclei. Unlike Radioactive decay, which is spontaneous and not considered a nuclear reaction, nuclear fission must be initiated by neutrons. Where the energy comes from in Nuclear Fission? With the exception of hydrogen –which only contains a proton in its nucleus – all the elements are less massive than the mass of their constituent parts. For example helium contains four nucleon, 2 protons and 2 neutrons, in its nucleus. If you had added the mass of the individual nucleons together they would have more mass than a helium nucleus. So where has the mass gone? The missing mass has become the energy required to hold the nucleus together (the strong nuclear force) and this energy is known as the binding energy. The table above shows the amount of binding energy in each nucleon of each element. The higher binding energy per nucleon the more stable the nucleus of the element is and all elements want to be as stable as possible. As you can see from the table Iron is the most stable (has the most binding energy per nucleon) element and as such neither nuclear fusion nor fission is...
Binding Energy
Binding Energy is the energy required to break up the bonds of atoms or the energy released when small atoms combine. Binding Energy Nuclear Binding Energy Calculating Binding Energy Calculating the Assumed Mass Binding Energy per Nucleon Binding Energy This is the energy required to break up the bonds of atoms or the energy released when small atoms combine. There are two types of binding energy including electron binding energy (the energy required to overcome the electromagnetic force holding the electrons in orbit) and the Nuclear Binding Energy. Nuclear Binding Energy This can be thought of as either; the energy required to break up the bonds of the nucleus of an atom or the energy released when nucleons combine. The table above shows the amount of binding energy in each nucleon of each element. The higher binding energy per nucleon the more stable the nucleus of the element is and all elements want to be as stable as possible. As you can see from the table Iron is the most stable (has the most b-energy per nucleon) element and as such neither nuclear fusion nor fission is possible. As you can see from the table, all elements with less mass then iron will release energy through nuclear fusion as these element gain nuclear b-energy per nucleon as their mass increases. Elements with more mass than iron have less b-energy per nucleon and so they release energy from splitting into less massive elements through nuclear fission. Calculating Binding Energy A nucleus – except in the case of hydrogen...
Nuclear Fusion
Nuclear Fusion is the name given to the the event when the nuclei of two atoms combine creating a new heavier atomic nucleus. What is Nuclear Fusion? Overcoming the Electromagnetic Force Nuclear Fusion in Stars Energy Production through Nuclear Fusion What is Nuclear Fusion? Nuclear Fusion is a phenomenon where by the nucleus of two atoms fuse together creating a new heavier atomic nucleus. When two relatively small atomic nuclei have very high energies they are able to bond or fuse together making larger atoms. The atomic nuclei require a lot of energy to overcome the effects of the electromagnetic force before it is possible for nuclear fusion to occur.   Overcoming the Electromagnetic Force Normally the electromagnetic force causes atomic nuclei to repel each other due to their positive charge, much like the same poles on a magnet. Electromagnetic force which causes the repulsive action quadruples as the distance between the two protons halves. This means that it takes a lot of energy to get these two protons, and two nuclei together. If they are able to get close enough another fundamental force, The Strong Force, comes into play and this force is much stronger than the electromagnetic force. It is the force that holds all nucleons together but they must be within one femtometres (the nucleus of an average atom is 4 femtometres in diameter). A = The Nucleus of the atom contains the protons and neutrons. Despite accounting for the majority of an atom’s mass, the nucleus procures a minute proportion of the total space. The Diameter of the nucleus is approximately 4 femtometres or 4...
Nitrogen Cycle
The Nitrogen cycle refers to the process that recycles nitrogen on earth ensuring this important commodity remains abundant. What is the Nitrogen Cycle? Nitrogen Cycle in Plants Nitrogen Cycle in Animals Nitrogen Cycle in Aquatic Life What is the Nitrogen Cycle? The Nitrogen cycle refers to the process that recycles nitrogen on earth ensuring this important commodity remains abundant. For healthy growth, plants need a good supply of nutrients and the most important of these is nitrogen. If these nutrients are depleted from the soil plant life is unable to thrive so maintaining a healthy nutrient rich soil is very important for both the plants and animals that depend on them. Nature can continue to thrive via recycling these valuable nutrients through various processes. Nitrogen is recycled throughout life forms in a process known as the Nitrogen Cycle. (Environmental Protection Agency All EPA images are in the public domain) Nitrogen Cycle in Plants Plants are unable to take up nitrogen in its basic form but instead they can use compounds of nitrogen such as nitrates and ammonia which are general produced by microorganisms in the soil and around the roots of legumes. The microorganism use an enzyme called Nitrogenase to convert the nitrogen into ammonia. The enzyme does not work with oxygen and so these bacteria have adapted the parts of the cells required for nitrogen fixing (conversion of nitrogen into nitrogen compounds) to ensure anaerobic conditions exist. Nitrogen Cycle in Animals Plants take up nitrate ions from the soil through their roots and use these nitrates...
Nitrogen
Nitrogen is the most abundant gas in our atmosphere making up approximately 78% with 21% oxygen, 0.93% argon, and rest is made up other various gases. Basic Information Discovery of Nitrogen Sources of Nitrogen Uses of Nitrogen Liquid Nitrogen The Nitrogen Cycle Atmospheric Nitrogen Causing Aurora Nitrogen’s Cell Structure Absorption Lines of Nitrogen Emission Lines of Nitrogen Nitrogen (from the Latin words “nitron” meaning native soda and “gene” meaning from) Classification: Non-Metallic Atomic Mass: 14.0067 g/mol Density: 1.251g/l Colour: No Colour Boiling Point: 77.36K (-195.79°C) Melting Point: 63.05K (-210.1°C) Critical Temperature: 126.2K (-146.9°C) Discovery of Nitrogen Discovered by Scottish Physician Daniel Rutherford in 1772. Rutherford isolated nitrogen when he was studying carbon dioxide. Sources Nitrogen is the most abundant gas in our atmosphere making up approximately 78% with 21% oxygen, 0.93% argon, 0.039% carbon dioxide and 0.031% makes up other various gases. Nitrogen is obtained from the fractional distillation of liquefied air. This process requires the air to be cooled to -200°c so it becomes a liquid. The Liquefied air is then pumped into a chamber where the temperature increases by several degrease. When the air reaches -190°c the nitrogen in the air boils and becomes a gas once more separating into the top chamber. The remaining liquid is a mixture of Liquid oxygen with a small amount of liquid argon. These two are then separated in a second chamber through the same process. Uses Liquid Nitrogen is nitrogen gas that has been cooled sufficiently enough for it to revert to...
Metis – Moon of Jupiter
Metis is one of Jupiter’s many moons, which is currently believed to have at least 63. It is one of four moons that make up the ‘Inner Group’. Where in the Solar System? The Inner Group Metis Where in the Solar System? Metis is one of Jupiter’s many moons, which is currently believed to have at least 63. It is one of four moons that make up the ‘Inner Group’. The Inner Group This is a group of four moons and as the name suggest they are situated closest to Jupiter at distances ranging from 128,000 – 200,000 km and taking between 7 and 16 hours to orbit the host planet. The Inner Group consists of Metis, Adrastea, Amalthea and Thebe, all of which are ‘irregular moon’ meaning they are not spherical due to their mass being too low (when cosmic bodies mass are large enough their gravity is able to shape the object into a sphere). Metis Metis is Jupiter’s closest moon, orbiting at around 128,000 km from the planet’s surface which is less than a third the distance of our own moon and earth (distance between earth and its moon is 384,400km). Metis got its name from the Greek mythical goddess of the same name, who was the first spouse of Zeus. It was discovered on the 4th of March 1979 by Stephen P Synnott, an American Astronomer and scientist working on NASA’s Voyager mission. Metis hurtles through space at an impressive 31.501 km/s (average speed) which is 70,465 miles per hour and takes...
Meteorology – Understanding Weather
Meteorology is the study of weather; its patterns, causes and effects. The Study of meteorology has enabled us to predict the weather with remarkable accuracy. Temperature variations Airflow and Winds Rain The Water Cycle Evaporation Sublimation Transpiration Condensation Clouds Temperature variations Based on data from the World Meteorological Organization temperatures on dry land range from -89.2˚C (-128.6˚F), recorded at Vostok Station in Antarctica, to 56.7˚C (136.4˚F), recorded at Death Valley in the US. Temperatures in the ocean vary from around 36˚C (96.8˚F) in the Persian Gulf to -2˚C (28.5˚F) Antarctic waters (water on the deep ocean is between 0 to 3˚C). This means that temperatures on land vary by approximately 68˚C (with an average of 16˚C) while oceans vary 38˚C (with an average of 17˚C). Airflow and Winds Temperature variations are the main source of the winds that drive the movement of rain clouds and create hurricanes. As the hot and cold air attempt to equalise it moves and this creates the winds. When these temperature variations are extreme the hot and cold air encircle each other creating a cyclone When atoms or molecules are supplied with heat energy they move around and the more energy supplied the more they move. This movement causes the molecules to take up more space than their colder counterparts. The illustration above shows the relationship between the increase in temperature (energy) and the motion of the air molecules. The molecules do not move in such a uniform pattern but as shown they do take up more space when supplied with heat energy....
Martian Moons – The Two Moons of Mars Phobos and Deimos
Martian Moons – The Two Moons of Mars Phobos and Deimos In the August of 1877 an American astronomer was looking at Mars in hopes of discovering a moon. He instead discovered two Martian Moons; Deimos and Phobos Phobos and Deimos—the mysterious moons of Mars—have intrigued scientists for generations. These tiny satellites orbiting the planet Mars offer clues to the planet’s past and its potential future in human space exploration. In this article, we dive deep into the Martian satellites Phobos and Deimos, unravel fascinating facts about Phobos, and learn how NASA science continues to probe their origins and significance. Whether you’re a space enthusiast, a student of astronomy, or just curious about what orbits the surface of Mars, this article will offer a thorough overview of the Mars’ moons, their orbits, potential missions, and why they’re crucial for future Mars exploration. Article Outline What Are the Moons of Mars and Why Are They Important? How Were Phobos and Deimos Discovered? What Are the Main Differences Between Phobos and Deimos? How Do the Martian Moons Orbit Mars? Could Phobos Crash Into Mars? What Has NASA Learned from Mars Missions? What Is the Origin of the Martian Moons? What Are the Plans for Future Moon Exploration? How Do Phobos and Deimos Compare to Earth’s Moon? Why Is Phobos Key to a Mars Sample Return Mission? Naming the Moons of Mars Shape and Orbit of the Martian Moons Origin of the Martian Moons Phobos Deimos Quick Comparison of Martian Moons What Are the Moons of Mars and Why Are They Important? Mars has two small moons, Phobos and Deimos, which are...
Mammals
The term Mammals is the name given to a group of animals that produce milk for their young (in mammary glands) which currently accounts for 5,000 species. What are Mammals? Rise of mammals Common characteristics Hair Three Middle Ear Bones Milk Production from mammary glands Orders of Mammals What are Mammals? The term Mammals is the name given to a class of animals that produce milk for their young (in mammary glands) which currently accounts for 5,000 species. They have populated every part of the globe, from whales and dolphins in the sea, bats in the sky, moles that live underground and land mammals that live on every continent. Rise of mammals Although mammals existed at the time of the dinosaurs their population and diversity exploded during the Paleocene epoch – a 10 million year period that immediately followed the dino-extinction event. For around 160 million years the mammals lived in the shadow of dinosaurs but some 65.5 million years ago the Cretaceous-Tertiary extinction event (also known as the K-T event) occurred, wiping out the dinosaurs and dawning the Age of Mammals. Common characteristics As well as producing milk for their young mammals have other equally important similarities or characteristics. These include the production of hair and the three middle ear bones. Hair All mammals have it and any animal with it is a mammal1. Even aquatic mammals such as dolphins, whales and porpoises have hair somewhere on the body of adults. This hair is used by mammals for many purposes such...