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 needs for natural resources, safety and food. 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 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.
Read about current and recent special activities, and our strategic plans for the future.