With the rapid expansion in big data and artificial intelligence (AI), Earth sciences are undergoing unprecedented advances in data processing and interpretation techniques, as well as in facilitating data-driven discoveries of complex Earth systems. This special collection explores scientific research related to data-driven discoveries in geosciences and provides a timely presentation of progress in developments and/or applications of AI and big data approaches to multiple aspects of geosciences. These include geohazards monitoring, mineral resource exploration, and environmental assessments. We hope this collection will inspire researchers and will transform the work undertaken in the field of data-driven Earth science. While many challenges remain, including the formidable tasks of transforming the deluge of geoscience data into useable information and furthering knowledge via cutting-edge AI techniques, we envision that data-driven discovery will revolutionize conventional methods of observation, analysis, modeling, and prediction in geosciences, and will further advance scientific understanding of our complex Earth system. KeywordsData-driven discovery • Big data • Artificial intelligence • Geosciences B Guoxiong Chen