Research
The Department focuses on two thematic research areas: Climate - Surface Interactions (i.e. geomorphology, oceanography, surface geochemistry etc.), and Lithospheric - Tectonic Processes (i.e. petrology, geodynamics, seismology, platetectonics etc.). The study of the earth requires a careful integration of field based research, laboratory based experiments and analysis, and quantitative modeling and description. The program's emphasis on such a multi-disciplinary approach provides for a stimulating research and teaching environment. As earth scientists, we are interested in understanding the history – and predicting the future – of the evolving earth on which we live. Our faculty maintain externally funded research programs (sponsoring agencies include NSF, NASA, DOE, ODP, ONR, USGS and others) involving undergraduate and graduate students, as well as collaboration both in-house and with geoscience colleagues throughout the nation and the world. The Department houses a wide range of analytical and research facilities available to all members of the department, and in many cases the outside community.