Recent News

For more news about the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, visit our research highlights.


Triptych of photos of the 2024 Wells Prize winners.
Latest NewsNovember 13, 2024

The Wells Prize honorees exemplify the best of the multidisciplinary educational opportunities available at 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳.

Photo illustration depicting a rocky Earth-like landscape with the orange-pink light of a setting sun reflecting off a large moon likely formed with the limited role of streaming instability.
June 17, 2024

The recommendation is based on new research from 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ scientists about the role of streaming instability in forming moons and planets.

Illustration of a cross-section of the ocean featuring Ediacaran fauna, including Dickinsonia, under water while an aurora shines in the sky.
May 2, 2024

Evidence suggests a weak magnetic field millions of years ago may have fueled the proliferation of life.

Falling rocks warning sign in front of rocks and boulders of various sizes along a mountainside to illustrate the idea of granular systems.
February 9, 2024

91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ researchers are uncovering the unexpected role of grain shape in the mixing of granular systems such as pharmaceuticals, cereal, and landslides.

four portraits of professors combined into one image.
June 26, 2023

Four 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ scientists have received prestigious NSF CAREER awards, presented to early-career faculty members for research and education initiatives.

Artist's rendering of planet Earth with top layer removed to reveal underlying plate tectonics, seen from space with the moon in the background.
June 14, 2023

The finding contradicts previous assumptions about the role of mobile plate tectonics in the development of life on Earth.

Closeup of pink flowers on tree.
May 22, 2023

The national designation from the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation is the result of a two-year, student-led effort.

Composite of headshots of four Goldwater Scholars.
April 21, 2023

The prestigious national award supports promising US students who are pursuing research careers in STEM fields.

Volcano erupting, shooting bright red lava high into a purple cloudy sky.
March 30, 2023

Zircon crystals and magmas reveal new information about plate tectonic activity on Earth billions of years ago.

pile of manganese metal on a white background.
February 9, 2023

Dustin Trail used experiments and zircon chemistry to build more accurate computer models of fluids that act as pathways from inner Earth to Earth’s surface.