专业描述

The mission of our department is to bring the time perspective of the Earth scientist to bear on contemporary problems of natural-resource conservation and environmental quality.We pursue this mission by exploring present and past interactions of processes that integrate the four terrestrial spheres: lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere; by reconstructing the physical and biological history of our planet to provide a baseline for projection of observed trends into an uncertain future; and by educating future generations of environmental analysts, managers, and planners to exercise responsible stewardship of Earth and her natural resources.The Department seeks students with acknowledged curiosity about the Earth and the processes that affect our lives, coupled with a sense of intellectual and physical adventure, and welcomes committed, energetic graduates from all disciplines who seek the excitement that will be provided by a lifetime of discovery in the study of the history, the present dynamics, and the future of Earth.