Atmospheric Science
EOAS atmospheric scientists study the processes that shape weather, climate, and air quality across local to global scales. Research spans hurricanes and other severe weather, cloud and precipitation dynamics, atmospheric chemistry, remote sensing, and climate–atmosphere interactions, with a strong emphasis on understanding and predicting environmental change and its impacts on society.
Earth Science
Earth science research in EOAS explores the structure, composition, and history of our planet through studies of geology, geophysics, paleontology, hydrology, and geochemistry. Faculty investigate processes ranging from tectonics and volcanism to groundwater flow and Earth’s deep-time environmental evolution, using field observations, laboratory analyses, and advanced modeling approaches.
Environmental Science
EOAS environmental scientists examine the interactions between natural systems and human activities to address pressing environmental challenges. Research areas include ecosystem health, water resources, pollution, sustainability, environmental change, and conservation, with interdisciplinary approaches that connect science to policy and management.
Ocean Science
Ocean science research in EOAS focuses on the physical, chemical, and biological processes that govern marine systems from coastal environments to the open ocean. Faculty and students investigate ocean circulation, biogeochemical cycling, marine ecosystems, fisheries, and ocean–climate interactions through numerical modeling, advanced analytical techniques, experimentation, and field expeditions that carry our scientists and students to all major ocean basins.
Biogeochemistry
EOAS biogeochemistry research examines how biological, chemical, and geological processes interact to regulate the cycling of carbon, nutrients, and other elements across Earth systems. Studies span marine, freshwater, terrestrial, and atmospheric environments, with applications to climate change, ecosystem functioning, and the movement of matter and energy through natural systems.
Climate Science
Climate science research in EOAS seeks to understand the drivers, variability, and impacts of climate across timescales ranging from subseasonal dynamics to geological time scales. Faculty study climate dynamics, paleoclimate records, climate modeling, extreme events, and ecosystem responses to climate change, helping improve predictions of future environmental conditions and societal risks.
Geophysical Dynamics
EOAS researchers in geophysical dynamics study the motion and interaction of fluids and solids within the Earth system, including the atmosphere, oceans, and Earth’s interior. Using theory, observations, and computational models, they investigate processes such as ocean circulation, atmospheric waves, turbulence, convection, and large-scale climate dynamics.
Natural Hazards
EOAS natural hazards research addresses the causes, prediction, and impacts of hazards such as hurricanes, floods, droughts, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and coastal change. Faculty work to improve hazard forecasting, risk assessment, and community resilience through interdisciplinary studies that integrate Earth system science with societal and environmental applications.