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

A group of people smile for a photo on the lawn at the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe.

Interdisciplinary conference explores branching structures

The conference was held at the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe in memory of late math professor

A man, wearing running shorts and sunglasses, running on the road with other runners in the background.

Faculty member opens up about mental health and finding his stride

Daniel Trugman wants to let students know it’s okay to get help

Simon Jowitt.

Nevada State Geologist joins AEMA Board of Trustees

Jowitt’s expertise in critical minerals and his role in academia made him an excellent candidate