Earth System Science

Understanding how our planet works

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.

Meet some of our community members

Tracking water changes

Learning by doing

A quick transition

Adam Brandt and Rob Jackson. Photo by Stacy Geiken

Reducing the Financial and Environmental Burden of Methane Leaks

Understanding Ice Planetary Science Geobiology and Paleontology Climate System Dynamics Contaminant and Nutrient Cycling Human Environment Interactions Sustainable Food and Water Ocean & Ecosystem Response Land Use Change

Research groups in Earth system science

Learn more about our faculty labs and research groups ranging from ocean biogeochemistry to soil science and geohydrology.

Shared analytical facilities

Students and faculty start their examination of specimens in our comprehensive Earth Materials Preparation lab. Our shared labs offer everything from gas, liquid, and solid analyses to isotopic analysis for geochronology and deciphering (bio)geochemical processes.

Stanford Geospatial Center

Housed in Branner library, the center offers workshops on Geographic Information Systems (GIS), data management, visualization tools, and spatial analysis.

Events related to Earth system science