Areas of Study

Break New Ground

The department of Earth and Environmental Geosciences offers degree programs in geosciences and in Earth systems. The curriculum includes core classes in environmental and physical geology, Earth history, solid Earth processes, Earth surface processes, hydrogeology, and structural geology, combined with a diverse range of electives. We stress field work in all appropriate classes at all levels.

two students take notes while another looks at rock samples under a microscope
Earth and Environmental Geosciences

The study of Earth and Environmental Geosciences B.S. provides Tigers an understanding of Earth’s systems and the transformation of those systems through time.Ìý Tigers learn about the exploration and conservation of natural resources as well as human environmental impacts upon the Earth.ÌýThe department offers two concentrations in the B.S., including a concentration in Geology and a concentration in Environmental Geosciences.

Earth and Environmental Geosciences (B.S.) Earth and Environmental GeosciencesÌý(Minor)Ìý

two students look at a chart on the edge of a cliff inside a large canyon
Earth and Environmental GeosciencesÌý

Earth and Environmental Geosciences B.A. draws on chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics and applied sciences in an effort to understand the chemical, physical, biological and human influences on our planet. The major is ideal for students seeking a fundamental understanding of geosciences and the flexibility to pursue intensive study in other disciplines.

​â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹ÌýEarth and Environmental Geosciences (B.A.)

Research Grants and Affiliations

In the Earth and Environmental Geosciences department,Ìýfaculty teaching and research are tightly connected.Ìý

As active scholars, our greater depth of knowledge and range of high-level research skills creates deeper and more engaging learning opportunities for students.

EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE GRANT FROM PETEX

Software plays a vital role in ÐÔ°®ÌìÌà Earth and Environmental Geosciences classrooms and labs.Ìý Ìýhas generously provided the Department of Earth and Environmental Geosciences educational licenses for their industry-grade software suite. This software permits students to apply 3D computerÌýnumerical modeling to complexÌýfault and fractureÌýsystems.Ìý Modules permit modeling of faultÌýkinematics,Ìýfracture network development, and fault response analysis, all of which provide robust data that students use toÌýpredict rock deformation and fluid flow in natural systems. The value of this donation, estimated by Petroleum Experts, is $2,764,444.11

National Science Foundation RUI Grant

Dr. Dan Lehrmann’s project focuses on testing mechanisms for regional dolomitization of Triassic carbonate platforms across the Nanpanjiang Basin of south China.Ìý The $303,257 grant is collaborative with researchers at University of Wisconsin Green Bay and supports research at both institutions from July 1, 2021 until June 30, 2024.Ìý

KFUPM-Stanford-ÐÔ°®ÌìÌÃ-Ferrara Partnership in training and research grant

Dr. Dan Lehrmann’s project focuses on assessing controls on carbonate reservoir properties.ÌýÌýThe $750,000 grant is collaborative with researchers at multiple institutions from Nov 14, 2017, until Dec 31, 2022. ÐÔ°®ÌìÌÃ’s portion of the grant is $103,385.ÌýThe funds are provided by the King Fahad College of Petroleum Geology (KFUPM-CPG) and Saudi Aramco Engineering and Geosciences Partnership.

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National Science Foundation RUI Grant

Dr. Ben Surpless’ project focuses on developing a predictive model of strain accommodation for segmented normal fault evolution along the Sevier fault zone, southern Utah.Ìý The grant, for $192,828, supports research from August 1, 2021 until Sept 30, 2024.

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National Science Foundation RUI Grant

Dr. Kathleen Surpless's project focuses on testing models for the Late Jurassic Nevadan orogeny using the age,Ìýprovenance, and structural evolution of the Galice and Mariposa basins, in Oregon and California. The $566,404 grant is collaborative with researchers at Texas Tech University and supports research at both institutions from September 1, 2021 until August 31, 2024.

Keck Geology Consortium Grant

(funded by the National Science Foundation)

Dr. Ben Surpless’ project investigates the evolution of fault damage zones within the Sevier fault system of southern Utah, which has implications for the formation of permeability associated with fluid flow in the subsurface as well as geothermal energy potential. The $40,000 grant will support summer research for six undergraduate research students through May, 2025.

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Keck Consortium
TheÌýÌýconsists of geology departments at 17Ìýliberal arts colleges scattered across the United States. The main sources of funding for the Consortium come from the National Science Foundation and each of the Consortium colleges.

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Associated Colleges of the South
TheÌýÌýis a consortium of 16 private liberal arts colleges and universities. The consortium's central office is in Atlanta, GA, while theÌýACS Technology CenterÌýis located at .

Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology
TheÌýÌýis a university research consortium dedicated to exploring the Earth's interior through the collection and distribution of seismographic data. IRIS programs contribute to scholarly research, education, earthquake hazard mitigation, and the verification of a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.