Welcome to the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences!
Our students and scientists study the properties of minerals, rocks, soils, sediments and water using multiple lenses: stratigraphy, paleobiology, geochemistry, and planetary sciences. Their work informs our understanding of natural hazards, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and floods. It helps us meet natural resource challenges through environmental and geological engineering, mapping and land use planning, surface and groundwater management, and the exploration and sustainable extraction of energy and minerals. It also helps us answer fundamental questions about the origin, history, and habitability of planets as well as the history and future of life on Earth and beyond.
Meet some of our community members
A holistic approach


Earth and Planetary Sciences Events
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Earth Planetary Science Seminar - Mattia Pistone, University of Georgia: “Moho Mission to the Foundation of Continents: The ICDP DIVE Drilling Project”
Class/Seminar-Building 320, Geology Corner, Room 220 and Zoom -
Earth Planetary Science Seminar - Dr. Josh Roering "Do microbes care about landslides? Using geomorphic models to inform stocks and cycling of soil organic carbon".
Class/Seminar-Building 320, Geology Corner, Room 220 and Zoom
Learn more about our research groups
Earth and Planetary Sciences News
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In honor of Earth Day, Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability community members share what energizes them about sustainability efforts locally and around the world.
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Schaefer discusses the recent excitement over a detection of possible hints of biological life on planet K2-18b.
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EPS Celebrates Dual Wins: 2025 PROSE Awards and PDAC First Prize Highlight Innovation in Geosciences
The textbook Data Science for the Geosciences, developed by Jef Caers, David Zhen Yin, and Lijing Wang, has received the prestigious 2025 PROSE Awards, honoring its impact on geoscience education and its commitment to accessible, hands-on learning.