Understanding our planets and their history
Our students and geoscientists 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.
Degree Programs
Meet some of our community members
Woman on the moon
A holistic approach
Taking wing at Stanford
Earth and Planetary Sciences Events
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Earth Planetary Science Seminar - Dr. Alisa Kotash "Raising our Expectations for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Work in Geoscience Faculty Evaluation Systems"".
Class/Seminar-Building 320, Geology Corner, Room 220 and Zoom
Earth and Planetary Sciences News
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A search for ancient deposits of sandy material expected at continental margins has come up empty. Stephan Graham bridges a prominent geological gap that hints at poorly understood, powerful, global-scale erosion processes, illustrating profound changes caused by climate upheaval.
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The shapes and textures of quartz grains speak to the processes that molded and transported them. A new tool from Stanford researchers, Michael Hasson and Mathieu Lapôtre, enables quick, accurate, insightful analysis of this sand, which can be used in geology, geoarchaeology, forensics, and more.
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The current and past recipients of the Harriet Benson Award gathered for the Annual Harriet Benson Fellowship Luncheon on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at the Stanford Faculty Club. This event provided an opportunity for awardees to share their ongoing research and projects, fostering a community of scholars committed to excellence in Earth and Planetary Sciences.
