Discovering Our Planet

Pushing the boundaries of what we know about Earth

At Stanford Earth scientists and students push the boundaries of knowledge about Earth's evolution and how it functions: from its interior dynamics and ocean processes to characteristics of the atmosphere, and more. Their research covers a breadth of areas such as paleontology, biogeochemistry, and the structure and movement of Earth's crust. That work is essential to our understanding of both ancient and modern concerns from medieval plagues to earthquake dynamics, climate change, and the occurrence of natural resources.

Are we in a "sixth mass extinction"?

Stanford paleontologist Jonathan Payne puts modern extinction in context by comparing it with Earth's five previous mass extinctions. Watch.

Navigating the guts of an ancient submarine canyon

Geological Sciences professors Stephan Graham and Don Lowe take us into an exposed submarine canyon at Point Lobos, CA, to understand how rock sediments inform oil resource exploration. Watch.

Paula Welander

Assistant Professor of Earth System Science

Page Chamberlain

Professor of Earth System Science

Karen Casciotti

Associate Professor of Earth System Science

George Hilley

Associate Professor of Geological Sciences

Anne Dekas

Assistant Professor of Earth Systems

Elizabeth Miller

Professor of Geological Sciences

See all faculty

Life at the Extremes: Deep Sea to Deep Space

Introduction to Geology

Evolution of Marine Ecosystems

Sedimentary Geology and Depositional Systems

Coevolution of Earth and Life

Environmental and Geological Field Studies in the Rocky Mountains

Exploring the Critical Interface between the Land and Monterey Bay

Molecular Geomicrobiology Lab

Marine Chemistry

Welander Lab for Molecular Geochemistry

Historical Geobiology Group

Sedimentary Research Group

Terrestrial Paleoclimate Group

Dekas Geomicrobiology Lab

Francis Molecular Microbial Ecology Group

Environmental Geochemistry Group

Extreme Environments Lab

Geochronology Lab

Basin and Petroleum System Modeling Group

Payne Paleobiology Group

Structural Geology and Tectonics

Solid-state NMR and Silicate Materials Group

Mahood Silicic Magmatism and Volcanology Group

Crustal Deformation and Fault Mechanics Group

Crustal Geophysics Group

Related research news

Q&A: Making the case for mobile marine protected areas

Ocean sanctuaries whose boundaries can shift can reduce conflicts between humans and marine life and help protect species under climate change.

Setting fires to avoid fires

Despite having proven effective at reducing wildfire risks, prescribed burns have been stymied by perceived and real risks, regulations and resource shortages. A new analysis highlights ways of overcoming those barriers, offering solutions for wildfire-ravaged landscapes.

Tracking animals with DNA

Genetic material left behind by animals can provide critical clues to aid conservation and research. New research shows studying DNA in soil samples can be more effective, efficient and affordable than traditional tracking methods, such as camera traps, for assessing biodiversity.

Pathways to changing the minds of climate deniers

By reviewing the psychology behind climate change rejection, a Stanford researcher suggests four approaches that can sway climate deniers and help overcome obstacles to implementing solutions.