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Cliffs above New River

Earth & Environmental Sciences

The integration of chemistry, biology, and physics applied to Earth and planetary systems

Our Goals

Majors & Minors

Choose from geology, environmental science, environmental studies, and geomechanics.

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Graduate Studies

A variety of research choices allows students to specialize in one area, or explore a vast array of interdisciplinary studies.

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Research

We specialize in geochemistry, environmental sciences, palaeomagnetism, geodynamics, geological structure and tectonics.

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The view from the rim of the caldera of Olympus Mons on Mars, the largest volcano in the solar system.

Feature Story

Mars surface patterns resemble Earth, revealing secrets of its past

Wave-like landforms on Mars offer insights about the planet’s icy past, its potential habitability, and the physics of flowing granular materials.

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Seminars

Interested in geology and environmental sciences?

The department sponsors several seminars throughout the year, bringing notable speakers from around the country. Check out the seminar schedule for this year’s presentations.

Seminar Schedule

In the News

March 24, 2025

Zero-Cost Hero: Tom Weber

Growing up and studying in the U.K., Tom Weber never encountered the steep and ever-increasing costs of college textbooks that students in the U.S. face.

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Spotlight

Mariya Cyriac

What do you enjoy most about U of R?

I really enjoy the facilities in U of R, especially the libraries (Rush Rhees Library). 

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Seismograph recording an earthquakeEarthquakes andVolcanoes
Ice Sampling at the Pakitsoq site, West GreenlandClimate andOcean Science
Students doing field workPlate Tectonics andPaleomagnetism

Have a question or need more information? Contact us.