Earth/Planetary
Earth & Planetary Sciences
Michael Barton, Jeffrey J. Daniels, David H. Elliot, Kenneth A. Foland, Kenneth C. Jezek, Teresa Mensing, Hallan C. Noltimier, Wendy Panero, Lindsay Schoenbohm, Cornelius van der Veen, Ralph R. B. von Frese, Terry J. Wilson
The Division of Earth and Planetary Sciences consists of faculty with experience in geochemistry, geophysics, geodynamics, mineralogy, mineral physics, petrology resources, glaciology, and tectonics. The goal of this group is to understand the Earth and other planets, with a focus on interaction and impact of processes in the interior with the surface environment (hydrosphere, cryosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere). This requires applying a broad range of knowledge in science, applied mathematics and statistics, to study complex, natural systems.
Our faculty address both practical questions and fundamental issues pertaining to planetary processes. Research topics encompass the structure and composition of the Earth's crust and interior, heat and energy sources within the Earth, the origin of earthquakes and volcanoes, dynamics of the core, mantle, and crust as well as glaciers and ice sheets, mineral resources, interaction of the oceans and atmosphere, changes in the climate system, societal impacts of global change, and the evolution of Earth and other planets over billions of years.
Researchers within the division use a variety of instruments and techniques, including airborne and satellite remote sensing and geophysical platforms, GPS (Global Positioning System), mass spectrometers, synchrotrons, the diamond anvil cell, and electron microprobes to study Earth and planetary processes. In addition, we use theoretical and numerical methods and experimental techniques to reproduce conditions from the surface to the center of planets. The great strength of our research programs is the strong connection between data collection and analysis and quantitative interpretation and model development.
Graduates from this Division have strong skills in the quantitative, laboratory and field geosciences and readily find career opportunities in the private, government, academic, and public sectors.