About

The Earth and Planetary Sciences Department at UC Santa Cruz is a nationally recognized leader in research and education, consistently ranked among the top Earth science programs in the country. Our faculty include members of the National Academy of Sciences and recipients of prestigious awards for research and teaching excellence. We have one of the largest Earth sciences undergraduate programs in the country, and our summer field geology course is a hallmark of the program, recognized nationally for its rigor and depth. According to the 2023–24 U.S. News & World Report rankings, we are ranked 12th in the country for Geophysics and Seismology programs.

Our faculty, students, and researchers explore the dynamic processes that shape Earth and other planetary bodies through innovative work in hydrogeology, tectonics, structural geology, geomorphology, paleontology, biogeochemistry, climate studies, environmental change, seismology, mineral and rock physics, impact processes, atmospheric science, glaciology, and planetary physics, with common collaboration between these sub-disciplines. Students engage in hands-on fieldwork, cutting-edge data analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration, addressing critical challenges such as climate change, natural hazards, and planetary evolution. With a strong track record of global impact and scientific leadership, we prepare the next generation of scientists to advance knowledge and create solutions for a changing world.

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