Recent News
For more news about the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, visit our research highlights.
Earth’s atmosphere may help support human life on the moon
New research shows that Earth’s magnetic field has helped deliver atmospheric particles to the lunar surface over billions of years.
Souped-up kayaks become ‘floating laboratories’ on the Genesee River
URochester researchers use specially designed kayaks to collect real-time data on methane and carbon dioxide emissions.
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.
January 2025 in Photos
The start of a new year brought innovative events, a peek into the past, and a snowy first day of classes. Here’s how we spent January at the University of Rochester.
Rochester’s Kevin Righter kept NASA space rocks free from contamination
Precise curation was necessary to discover that the Bennu asteroid sample contains building blocks of life on Earth.
Undergraduates pair research with reporting, science with sign language, and programming with pondering
The Wells Prize honorees exemplify the best of the multidisciplinary educational opportunities available at Rochester.
In the hunt for a second Earth, look to small planets
The recommendation is based on new research from Rochester scientists about the role of streaming instability in forming moons and planets.
Did a magnetic field collapse trigger the emergence of animals?
Evidence suggests a weak magnetic field millions of years ago may have fueled the proliferation of life.
Reshaping our understanding of granular systems
Rochester researchers are uncovering the unexpected role of grain shape in the mixing of granular systems such as pharmaceuticals, cereal, and landslides.
CAREER awards recognize promising junior faculty
Four Rochester scientists have received prestigious NSF CAREER awards, presented to early-career faculty members for research and education initiatives.