Welcome to Cornell's home for studies of the earth, atmosphere and oceans. Our work stretches from New York State and beyond the entire earth, from Earth's deep interior to the outer atmosphere. Earth and Atmospheric Sciences is part of a fast moving, interdisciplinary, field of knowledge. Our research responsibility is very broad: to gain a better understanding of how the natural earth systems function, and to work with others to apply this knowledge to develop sustainable relationships between humankind and our home planet. Current challenges call upon us to help society meet its many needs.
Our researchers and students work to:
- increase energy supplies and energy options
- assure the availability and quality of water
- forecast and avoid natural hazards (weather events, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, ionosphere activity, and more)
- predict and plan for climate change
- use the history of life to better understand the impacts of ongoing environmental stressors on biodiversity, both terrestrial and marine.
All of these applications of earth science knowledge rely on the continued advance of understanding of the complex processes of Earth's surface systems, its biogeochemical cycles(including how those biogeochemical cycles are tied to climate), and the materials and dynamics of Earth's interior. Our scientists continue to lead principal geological and geophysical studies in major mountain belts around the world.
Our educational responsibilities are equally broad. We are dedicated to training the next generation of specialists who will use earth system sciences in their careers and to providing broad education to the campus community and society beyond Cornell. Join us in learning about geosciences, atmospheric sciences, ocean sciences, and many interdisciplinary variations.
Read about current and recent special activities, and our strategic plans for the future.
- Atmospheric Sciences Undergraduate Program
- Science of Earth Systems (SES) Undergraduate major
- Summer Field Mapping and Geology of the Central Andes
EAS offers the following graduate degrees:
We have PhD opportunities for earth system science modeling, especially for mineral aerosol interactions with biogeochemistry and climate for current, past and future. Please contact Natalie Mahowald and apply to the Atmospheric Sciences program.