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.