Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

An aerial view shows a volcanic crater with white steam or smoke rising from the center. The scene emphasizes large-scale Earth processes and volcanic landscapes. A view from above shows a large structure with long rectangular panels moving over a tan or desert-like landscape. The exact object is not fully clear in the recording, but the scene appears to show remote or large-scale observational technology. A wide aerial landscape shows rocky terrain, water, and distant ice or snow. The scene highlights Earth science field settings in a remote natural environment. A person kneels in tall grass beside an open outdoor instrument box or monitoring station. The person appears to inspect or adjust equipment used for field measurements. Two students work at a microscope in a laboratory. One person looks into the eyepiece while another watches closely from behind. An aerial view shows dark ground with a bright orange strip of lava or fire cutting across the landscape. The scene focuses on active geologic activity. A snowy urban landscape is shown from above, shifting the focus from natural environments to large-scale observation of the built environment. A person wearing a hard hat and reflective safety gear stands at a workstation facing multiple computer monitors. The scene shows technical monitoring in an industrial or operational setting. A color-coded map of the northeastern United States appears on screen with state outlines and a vertical color scale. The scene emphasizes geographic or atmospheric data visualization. Students in lab coats work at a laboratory bench, with one student handling equipment while another looks on. The scene shows hands-on lab work and collaboration. A snowy outdoor field site shows a yellow tent, a red tracked vehicle, and other equipment. The scene suggests research in a cold or remote environment. A grassy outdoor site contains installed instruments in the foreground with a wooded hillside behind. The scene appears to show environmental monitoring equipment in the field. Wind turbines stand across an open landscape in low sunlight. The final scene emphasizes energy systems in a large outdoor environment.

Understanding the Past and Present to Guide the Future

To improve the quality of life for everyone on this planet, we must first understand the complexities of our natural systems and the impact of human behavior on the natural balance. The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Cornell embraces this mission through exceptional teaching, world-class research, and committed service and outreach.

Our Programs

News Highlights

Earthquake science unites threatened scholar with Cornell researchers

A team of geophysicists from Cornell, Cameroon and South Africa is using machine learning tools to unearth new information from earthquake data collected by Cornell 15 years ago – providing a lifeline for a scholar whose career was upended by conflict.
Hidden clay intensified 2011 Japan megaquake, study confirms

An international research expedition involving Cornell has uncovered new details as to why a 2011 earthquake northeast of Japan behaved so unusually as it lifted the seafloor and produced a tsunami that devastated coastal communities.
Undergraduate finds meaningful geology research opportunities at Cornell

“Once I saw the campus, I was like, that seems pretty cool. I would enjoy going there. And then I looked more into the academic programs, and I actually really wanted to go. I even applied early decision.” The combination of a vibrant campus community, expansive natural surroundings, and strong science programs made Cornell the right choice.
Inaugural Cornell Weather Conference brings together students, scholars, and industry leaders

The First Annual Cornell Weather Conference, led by undergraduates in the Cornell Chapter of the American Meteorological Society, gathered more than 100 students, alumni, faculty, and practitioners at Cornell.

Latest Events

Seminars

EAS Seminar Series: Wednesdays, 3:35-4:25 in Snee Hall, Room 2146. The February 4 speaker will be Cornell University’s own Rob Ross. More details to follow.
Atmospheric and Climate Seminar Series: Fridays, 2:30-3:20 in Snee Hall, Room 2146
Earth Science Seminar Series: Fridays, 3:35-4:25 in Snee Hall, Room 2152 (Spring Semester Schedule) The speaker for Friday, January 30 is Andie Gomez-Patron “How well can we forecast volcanic hazards? Understanding near-surface and subsurface volcanic processes by combining remote sensing and field work. “

Alumni Profiles

Finding creative solutions and protecting the environment – Jonathan Kimchi ’10

Eighteen years ago, Jonathan Kimchi ’10 was a first-year Cornell student who knew he wanted to make an impact on the environment by combining his passions for water resources and engineering. These days, he is realizing that goal as the…
A visceral sense of the land – Peter Flemings Ph.D. ’90

In the more than 30 years since Peter Flemings Ph.D. ’90 left Cornell with his Geology doctorate in hand, he has been engaged in research at some of the nation’s premier academic institutions, including the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, MIT, Penn…
Alum is using data to improve mining practices – Hannah Lang ’18

Hannah Lang ’18 has never been a rock collector and would definitely not refer to herself as a “rock nerd,” (though some of her good friends are). Yet, she graduated from Cornell with a B.A. in the science of Earth…
This Cornell alum is living the ‘weather nerd’ dream — Nicole Collins ’25

Atmospheric Science alumna Nicole Collins ’25 has gone from fearing thunderstorms to predicting them as a broadcast meteorologist for WSPA in Greenville, South Carolina.