Investigating how the Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, surface, and interior have changed through time to understand fundamentally important climatic, tectonic, and biogeochemical changes.

Leading diverse, interdisciplinary research programs investigating Earth’s changing environments related to natural processes and human impacts across a large range of temporal and spatial scales.

Using analyses, experiments, and observations of aerosols, minerals, organic compounds, and waters to understand biogeochemical cycles, climates, and igneous and tectonic processes on Earth and other planets.

Understanding the physical processes that shape the Earth and other planets.

Examining change and variability of the oceans, ice, and atmospheres on Earth and across the solar system.

Exploring surface and interior processes of planets throughout the solar system to understand their formation and evolution.

Understanding tectonic and volcanic processes and their high-temperature rock record.

The department utilizes cutting-edge instrumentation to support and advance ongoing research.