Science Division

Earth & Planetary Sciences

Professors and students standing on the rim of an impact crater in Arizona. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteor_Crater

High Impact Experiences

From the deep Earth to distant worlds — discovery starts here.

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Welcome

The Earth & Planetary Sciences Department at UC Santa Cruz is home to a vibrant community of faculty, researchers, and students working at the forefront of geoscience and planetary exploration. We are among the largest departments of our kind in the UC system, offering robust undergraduate and graduate programs that combine rigorous coursework with transformative opportunities for research and field experience. Our faculty are internationally recognized for their contributions to topics ranging from seismology and climate change to planetary interiors and astrobiology. Join us in exploring the processes that shape Earth and other worlds—and in preparing the next generation of scientists to tackle the challenges of a changing planet.

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News

Research news from the Earth & Planetary Sciences Department
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ARCS Foundation scholarships support 14 outstanding graduate students in science and engineering for 2025-26

The scholarships are awarded to students who show exceptional promise of making a significant contribution to the scientific and technological strength of the country.

 Scientists releases a salmon at Scott Creek

A Lifeline for Salmon: UCSC and NOAA Join Forces to Secure a Future for California’s Most Iconic Fish

A decades-long collaboration is giving Central California’s dwindling coho salmon population a fighting chance.

 Collage of images: Nanopore sequencer, genomics graphic, farm, ribosome, salmon, children, observatory, seal, linguistics professor, prison cell

From nanopore sequencing to neutron stars, UC Santa Cruz research advances our understanding, wellbeing

The federal government has been—and must remain—a critical partner in foundational technological innovation and research breakthroughs.

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Whole Earth Seminars

IGPP Seminars

  • November 14, 2025 – Ken Kamrin, UC Berkeley
    Speaker/Affiliation: Ken Kamrin, UC Berkeley Title: Continuum modeling and simulation of dry and saturated granular media across applications Time: Friday, November 14 12:00pm PST Location: EMS B210Abstract: Granular media are common in industry, the natural world, and our day-to-day lives, but have been historically resistant to modeling.  While grain-by-grain discrete element methods (DEM) exist, these are often far too costly at… Read more: November 14, 2025 – Ken Kamrin, UC Berkeley
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Department Spotlight

  • Andy Fisher wins the NEXTies “Brainwave Award”
    The “Brainwave Award” recognizes groundbreaking research, innovation, or scientific discovery. It was awarded to Andy Fisher in 2025 for his research into urban flooding, saltwater intrusion, and freshwater supply in the Pajaro River Valley.
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Support Us

Support the future of Earth and planetary science by giving to our endowments. Your gift fuels research, hands-on learning, and real-world impact—empowering the next generation to meet the challenges facing our planet.

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Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences
epsadmin@ucsc.edu | (831) 459-4089
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm

Last modified: Oct 07, 2025