New in Google Earth: Explore the depths of the world’s oceans and the last 10,000 years of volcanoes

By Jeff Lavallee, Software Engineer, Google Earth

Recently we introduced users to a new Layers feature in Google Earth, featuring near real-time weather data for radar, temperature, wind speed, and precipitation. We’ve since added a few more datasets, all suggestions by teachers in our education community who use Google Earth in the classroom.

Start by exploring 10,000 years of volcanoes, courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program. Here’s a few awe-inspiring volcanoes to get you started: Kilauea in Hawaii, Vesuvius in Italy, and Galeras in Colombia. And look, the Ring of Fire!

Then dive in to three new oceans-related datasets: sea surface temperature, seafloor age, seafloor depth. You’ll find all kinds of fascinating things: Did you know the Mariana Trench is deeper than Mount Everest is tall? Or maybe you need to brush up on how plate tectonics work (hint: studying seafloor age is a great way to start).

You’ll find these layers and more in Google Earth for Chrome, Android and iOS. Check back often as we continue to add new datasets.