Researchers have found that Earth’s underlying crust in the Turkana Rift region has been significantly thinned, presaging Africa’s eventual breakup—and with that finding, the researchers offer a new perspective on Turkana’s fossil record of human evolution.

A new study finds that land subsidence is outpacing ocean-driven sea-level rise along the northern coastline of Java Island, Indonesia.

Folarin Kolawole is one of 15 recipients of this year's National Geographic Society’s Wayfinder Award, which recognizes people whose work is expanding our understanding of the planet and helping to protect its future.