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

Utah FORGE Site

Utah FORGE Begins Extended Circulation

The Utah FORGE launched an extended four-month circulation test near Milford, Utah, to study the commercial viability of Enhanced Geothermal Systems. The closed-loop experiment pumps non-potable water down one well and recovers it from another, ramping up to a flow rate of 10 barrels per minute over 90 to 120 days to evaluate reservoir performance and water treatments.

Mount Timpanogos

Utah ranges may store a billion tons of hidden ice

By utilizing a groundbreaking 3D gravity-imaging technique to measure density differences beneath the surface, University of Utah geologists mapped the hidden Mount Timpanogos rock glacier and discovered it is surprisingly ice-rich, consisting of 83% ice and storing 1.5 million cubic meters of frozen water.

great salt lake

About “The Lake Beneath the Lake” by Kip Solomon

The lake beneath the lake is real, it is massive in volume compared to the GSL (globally the volume of fresh groundwater is roughly 100 times that of fresh surface water), is ancient, and very challenging to extract without undesirable consequences.