Restless Surface

Restless Surface

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

News

The dark side of the Moon is surprisingly dry

The first samples returned from the far side of the Moon suggest it's 10-100 times drier than the side nearer Earth.

9 April 2025

Science news

Evidence of deep-sea mining still visible over four decades later

The impact it has had on the life living down there has been more mixed. 

26 March 2025

Science news

How deep sea sludge is inspiring leadership for a greener future

A voyage to the Pacific has been investigating previously unexplored regions of the deep sea.

6 March 2025

Science news

Material 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

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