

Earth System Science
Understanding how our planet worksU
Our goal is to understand, predict, and respond to human-caused and natural environmental change at local to global scales. Scientists in our Earth System Science department offer a strong graduate research program across a broad range of environmental and Earth science disciplines for students working toward a doctoral degree. Undergraduate and coterminal master's degrees are offered through the closely related and popular Earth Systems Program.
Degree ProgramD
Explore our research topics
Earth system scientists research everything from climate dynamics to coral reefs, ice melt, soil contamination, nutrient cycling, food security, and more.
Events related to Earth system scienceE
Earth system science newsE

KPCC
What should Southern Californians expect this fire season?
"We're starting the season in a severe drought heading into the warm part of the year, and we know that the kinds of severe heat waves that have really amplified fire risk in recent years are much more likely now than they were previously in California's history," says Stanford climate scientist Noah Diffenbaugh.

Stanford News
Thinking beyond the academic degree
A new certificate program provides a framework for Stanford Earth graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to learn new skills, gain practical experience, and produce portfolio pieces that will broaden their professional preparedness. The program will be carried into the new school focused on climate and sustainability.