Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences

Journal Name: Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences

Journal Type: Q1

ISSN: 00846597

Subject Area and Category: Earth and Planetary Sciences Earth and Planetary Sciences (miscellaneous) Space and Planetary Science Physics and Astronomy Astronomy and Astrophysics

Publisher: Annual Reviews Inc.

Research Ranking: 49

Publication Type: Book Series

H-Index: 187

Coverage: 1976, 1978-2024

Editors-in-Chief: Raymond Jeanloz , Katherine H. Freeman

Research Impact Score: 9.2

Impact Factor: 11.3

SCIMAGO SJR: 5.885

APC Cost: N/A

Homepage: https://www.annualreviews.org/journal/earth

Submission Link: https://www.annualreviews.org/journal/earth

Contact Email: khf4@psu.edu

Address: N/A

Overview

The Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences continues to be a cornerstone publication for researchers, educators, and professionals across the geosciences. Published by Annual Reviews, this peer-reviewed journal curates and synthesizes significant advances in our understanding of Earth and planetary systems, offering comprehensive, high-quality reviews written by leading experts in the field. The 2025 edition highlights critical developments across geology, geophysics, climatology, planetary science, and Earth system interactions.

Unifying the Earth and Space Sciences

This year's volume underscores the increasing interconnectedness of Earth and planetary sciences. As technology and data analysis techniques advance, so too does our ability to draw parallels between Earth’s geological record and the processes observed on other planetary bodies. The journal delves into comparative planetology, revealing how studying Mars, Venus, and exoplanets enhances our understanding of Earth’s own evolution and climate systems.

Climate Change and Earth System Science

A major focus of the 2025 volume is on climate change and Earth system dynamics. Reviews examine the latest insights from paleoclimate data, atmospheric modeling, and oceanographic studies. Topics include the role of aerosols in climate feedback mechanisms, the acceleration of polar ice melt, and the carbon cycle’s complex feedback loops. These articles not only present new findings but also identify critical research gaps, guiding future scientific efforts.

Planetary Interiors and Surface Processes

Understanding the internal dynamics of planets remains vital to unlocking their histories and predicting future behavior. Several reviews in this edition cover the latest seismic studies of Earth’s interior, the geodynamics of tectonic plates, and volcanic processes. Additionally, planetary surface processes—such as erosion, sediment transport, and impact cratering—are explored with a cross-planetary lens, offering insights into the geological histories of the Moon and Mars.

Advances in Analytical Techniques

Cutting-edge research is often driven by technological innovation, and this year’s reviews highlight significant progress in remote sensing, geochronology, and isotope geochemistry. These tools allow scientists to reconstruct past climates, date rock formations with precision, and analyze planetary surfaces without direct sampling. The journal emphasizes the transformative impact of satellite data and machine learning in Earth science research.

A Resource for Researchers, Educators, and Policymakers

Beyond serving as a research tool, the Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences is a vital resource for educators designing curricula and for policymakers seeking scientifically grounded insights. The reviews are written in accessible language, making them suitable for interdisciplinary audiences. Each article is meticulously referenced, providing a gateway to deeper exploration of specific topics.

About

The Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences is one of the most respected and widely read journals in the geoscience community. Published annually by Annual Reviews, it offers comprehensive, peer-reviewed review articles that synthesize the latest and most significant developments in Earth and planetary sciences. Covering topics from geology and geophysics to planetary exploration and climate change, this publication is an essential resource for researchers, educators, students, and policy makers alike.

What is the Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences?

Launched in 1973, the Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences provides in-depth, authoritative review articles written by leading scientists around the world. Unlike traditional research journals that publish original studies, this journal focuses on synthesizing vast bodies of scientific work into accessible, insightful reviews. These articles help readers quickly grasp the state of current knowledge, emerging trends, and future directions in various subfields of Earth and planetary sciences.

Key Topics Covered

Each volume of the Annual Review includes a diverse range of subjects, reflecting the broad and interdisciplinary nature of Earth and planetary sciences. Commonly featured topics include:

Geology and Geochemistry: Studies on Earth’s structure, tectonics, rock formation, and chemical processes.
Climate Science and Oceanography: Insights into past and present climate systems, sea level rise, ocean circulation, and carbon cycles.
Planetary Science and Space Exploration: Reviews of missions to Mars, Venus, the Moon, and other celestial bodies, with comparisons to Earth’s geology and atmosphere.
Earth System Science: Integration of biological, chemical, physical, and human systems that shape the Earth’s environment.
Technological Advancements: Coverage of new methods in remote sensing, satellite imaging, geochronology, and data modeling.

Why It Matters

The Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences plays a critical role in advancing geoscientific understanding by summarizing complex research into accessible and coherent narratives. These reviews are not only valuable for specialists within a specific field but also for scientists across disciplines who need to stay informed on adjacent areas of research.

Furthermore, the journal’s insights support real-world decision-making. From climate policy and natural disaster preparedness to planetary mission planning and resource management, the knowledge shared in this publication is directly applicable to pressing global challenges.

Accessibility and Global Reach

One of the strengths of the journal is its global readership and contribution. The reviews are written to be accessible to a wide audience, including advanced students and non-specialist professionals. Many articles are available through institutional access and academic libraries, and selected content is made open-access to promote wider dissemination.

Scope

The Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences is a prestigious peer-reviewed journal that provides in-depth, authoritative review articles on the most significant developments in Earth and planetary research. First published in 1973, this annual publication has earned a global reputation for its scholarly rigor, comprehensive coverage, and interdisciplinary approach. Its scope is broad yet focused, making it a vital resource for scientists, educators, policy makers, and students involved in the Earth and space sciences.

Broad and Interdisciplinary Focus

The scope of the Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences spans a wide range of scientific disciplines, reflecting the complex, interconnected nature of Earth's systems and the universe beyond. The journal brings together topics from geology, geophysics, atmospheric science, oceanography, climatology, geochemistry, and planetary science. Each review article offers a synthesis of cutting-edge research and a forward-looking perspective, helping readers understand where the science is headed and what questions remain unanswered.

Earth Sciences: From Core to Crust

In the realm of Earth sciences, the journal covers everything from the structure and dynamics of Earth’s interior to surface processes shaping the land, oceans, and atmosphere. Topics include:

Plate tectonics and earthquake science
Volcanism and mantle convection
Sedimentology and stratigraphy
Hydrology and water cycle dynamics
Biogeochemical cycles and Earth system interactions

These reviews help researchers stay current with foundational knowledge while exploring new theories and techniques that are transforming the field.

Planetary Sciences: Exploring Other Worlds

The planetary science component of the journal’s scope focuses on the physical and chemical properties of other celestial bodies in our solar system and beyond. Topics often include:

Comparative planetology between Earth, Mars, Venus, and the Moon
Surface geology and atmospheric studies of exoplanets
Insights from space missions and remote sensing
The evolution of planetary interiors and magnetic fields

By comparing planetary environments, scientists gain new perspectives on Earth’s formation, evolution, and potential future.

Climate Science and Environmental Change

The journal also places strong emphasis on climate change, paleoclimatology, and Earth system science. Reviews explore both ancient and modern climate systems, addressing topics such as:

Ice core records and ocean sediment analysis
Climate modeling and future projections
Human impacts on global systems
Natural feedback loops in carbon and nitrogen cycles

These reviews serve as a scientific foundation for addressing pressing environmental challenges and informing climate policy.

Integration of New Technologies

A key aspect of the journal’s scope is the exploration of innovative technologies and methodologies. Topics often include:

Remote sensing and satellite data analysis
Geochronology and isotope geochemistry
Machine learning and big data in geoscience

By highlighting these tools, the journal demonstrates how technology is revolutionizing Earth and planetary research