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

Long yellow cables reach from above to the left into the ocean, which is calm.

Scientists capture elusive imagery of volcano’s inner workings

Researchers suggest new volcanic formation processes and publish images of the volcano in Nature

Stacia Gordon stands on a rocky outcropping overlooking a valley surrounded by stunning, snow-capped mountains.

Professor named Fellow of the Geological Society of America

Stacia Gordon is relatively early in her career yet has made significant contributions to the field

Six people walking around a truck next to a large solar panel and satellite dishes.

NV Energy Partners with University of Nevada, Reno to expand ALERTWildfire camera network across Nevada

53 new fire cameras will serve the Silver State by the end of 2026