Department of Geology & Geophysics

Welcome to the department of geology & geophysics

As Geoscientists, we apply the principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology to understand the composition, structure, and history of the Earth and the processes that govern it. Our students use this knowledge to address societal needs and problems, such as locating and characterizing mineral, energy, and groundwater resources, assessing seismic and other geologic hazards, and evaluating and remediating environmental contamination.

Geoscience
Geo Engineering
Earth Science Teaching
Earth & Environmental Science
Earth Science Minor

Geoscience

Emphasis in Geology or Geophysics

Educates students to apply the principles of chemistry, physics, mathamatics, and biology to understand the composition, structure, and history of the Earth.

Geological Engineering

An engineering approach to solving important problems related to geological hazards (such as earthquakes and landslides) and natural resources (such as surface water and groundwater).

Our degree is ABET accredited, so graduates are ready to become licensed, practicing engineers. This program is also one of the only 13 programs nationwide.

Earth Science Teaching

A secondary education teaching degree for physical science and Earth science instructors in high schools and middle schools.

Earth & Environmental Science (EES)

An interdisplinary degree that enable students to study the interconnected nature of earth systems, including the fields of atmospheric science, geology, and ecology.

Earth Science Minor

Curriculum comprises core courses on earth systems and history. Electives include: geologic hazards, sustainable energy, paleontology and geobiology, and oceanography.

DEPARTMENT RESEARCH & NEWSView all news

Kristie McLin PhD'12 | Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (Utah FORGE)

New Director of Research and Science at Utah FORGE

U geologist Joseph Moore, who has steered the FORGE project from its inception in 2015 to becoming the world’s only full-scale field laboratory to advance technologies and de-risk tools needed for enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), will take on an emeritus role.

Sarah Lambart, left, with graduate student Emily Cunningham

Mantle plume versus plate tectonics

The U discusses a recently published paper by Geo grad student Emily Cunningham — her first time as lead author. The paper is titledThe Evolution of the Source Mineralogy and Lithospheric Controls on Magmatism During the Northeast Atlantic Continental Breakup.

Study co-authors Peter Lippert, second from left, and Yuhji Yamamoto, third from left, aboard the JOIDES Resolution in 2012. Photo courtesy of Peter Lippert.

When Earth’s Magnetic Field Took Its Time Flipping

Every so often, the magnetic north and south poles swap places in what are called geomagnetic reversals, and the record of these flips is preserved in rocks and sediments, including those from the ocean floor.