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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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A headshot of Kevin Righter facing the camera with his arms folder across his chest.

Meliora Weekend Event

Friday, September 19, 2025

Join our guest, Dr. Kevin Righter, as he talks about “The OSIRIS-REx Sample Return Mission to Asteroid Bennu: What Have the Samples Revealed?”.

After his talk, please enjoy a light reception in the Green Lounge and a tour of some of our research labs.

Talk: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Lander Auditorium, 140 Hutchison Hall
Reception: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Green Lounge, 1st Floor, Hutchison Hall
Lab tour: 4:45pm., Meet at the Green Lounge

Contact Katie Kase at (585) 275-3934 or kkase2@ur.rochester.edu to sign up for the lab tour. Click the button below to register for the event.

Register for the Event
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.