Planetary Science and Solid Earth Geosciences

Faculty and students in the School of Geosciences study a broad array of geological processes using geophysical, geochemical, and geological methods, combining laboratory experiments, field studies, and computer modeling.

Our research enables an understanding of earthquake and faulting processes in the lithosphere. Studies in paleomagnetism provide a window into the past tectonic evolution via the magnetism “frozen” in rocks.  Structural geology enables us to untangle complex crustal movements through analysis of surface and subsurface deformations. Finally, seismological methods also allow us to probe the deep interior of Earth to understand the dynamic processes that shape Earth’s interior and landforms. Better understanding of solid Earth processes enables prediction and evaluation of natural hazards on Earth’s surface, which can potentially reduce losses from these hazards, such as earthquakes and volcanoes.