In situ is a Latin phrase meaning 'in the place' or 'on site', derived from in and situ. The term refers to studying or working with something in its natural or original location rather than moving it
William Molins' Myskotomia (1648), showing the term in situ in an anatomical context. The Oxford English Dictionary cites this as the earliest known use of the phrase in English.
Gene expression of collagen in Iberian ribbed newt, via Hybridization Chain Reaction RNA Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization
Photo of Orion taken during the flight of Artemis I
Disassembled CTD device, showing pressure housing, sensor cage, connectors, and internal electronics with sensors for conductivity, temperature, and pressure
Weathering is the deterioration of rocks, soils and minerals through contact with water, atmospheric gases, sunlight, and biological organisms. It occurs in situ, and so is distinct from erosion, whic
In situ
…particularly in geomorphology, in situ refers to natural materials or processes occurring at their point of origin without being transported. An example is weathering, in which rocks undergo physical or chemical disintegration in place, in contrast to erosion, which involves the removal and relocation of materials…
A natural arch produced by erosion of differentially weathered rock in Jebel Kharaz (Jordan)
A rock in Abisko, Sweden, fractured along existing joints possibly by frost weathering or thermal stress
Exfoliated granite sheets in Texas, possibly caused by pressure release
Tafoni at Salt Point State Park, Sonoma County, California