Academic expertise. Research prowess. Student success.
There’s a whole world of discovery in the ground beneath your feet. From the shifting of tectonic plates to the eruption of volcanoes, learn about the Earth and all of the natural processes that have shaped it over time.
Department faculty, researchers, graduate students, and undergraduate students pursue field, laboratory, experimental, and modeling studies of geological and environmental problems around the world. The department's excellent facilities and technical personnel support a range of methods and the department's ideal location also provides ready access to the many natural laboratories of Nevada, California and the western United States. Research specialties include Earth and planetary surface processes, geodynamics, volcanology, geochemistry, petrology, earthquakes and seismology, mineral and energy resources, hydrology and hydrogeology.
Recent news from the Department
Nevada State Geologist joins AEMA Board of Trustees
Jowitt’s expertise in critical minerals and his role in academia made him an excellent candidate
University revives National Geothermal Academy to meet growing workforce demand
A course this summer will focus on geothermal drilling techniques and safety
Center for Land Surface Hazards receives Track II NSF funding
$15 million will employ interdisciplinary science to study dangerous natural hazards