UC Davis Earth and Planetary Sciences

Our Vision and Mission Statement

Together we create and share knowledge at the forefront of Earth and Planetary Sciences to cultivate informed stewardship and inspire curiosity.

We provide a world-class, stimulating intellectual and educational environment that prioritizes people. As a community we are committed to conducting cutting-edge research in Earth and Planetary Sciences to address challenging scientific and societal problems.

View our Strategic Plan

Majors and Programs

Explore the majors and programs offered by the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences below.

GEL

Geology Major

Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees

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MCS

Marine and Coastal Science Major

Bachelor of Science

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MAST

CalTeach / Mathematics and Science Teaching

Prepare yourself for a career in mathematics and science education

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Minors

Geology Minor

Available in Geology, Geochemistry, Geophysics, Oceanography, Paleobiology

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Grad school

Applying to Grad School

Graduate school in the geosciences may be a good choice for your career. How do you decide if it’s right for you?

Where to start

Department News

Check out the latest news, research, and announcements from the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences below.

Microbial mats on the floor of Lake Fryxell form different morphologies with depth. (Photo by Abbey Dias/National Science Foundation)

UC Davis Research Team Shares Experiences From Recent Field Season in Antarctica

The McMurdo Dry Valleys don’t look like they belong in Antarctica. Largely devoid of snow, the landscape is mostly dirt and rock. When explorer Robert Falcon Scott trekked the area in 1903, he referred to it as “the valley of the dead.” But that name is a misnomer. While life may not be evident to the naked eye...READ MORE

Opening the World Beneath the Waves

Alyssa Griffin likens the experience of scuba diving to a sensory deprivation tank. Beneath the water, weightlessness envelops the body and sounds are amplified. The hiss of the regulator chimes like a metronome, mixing with the natural soundscape produced by ocean creatures and processes...READ MORE

Visiting Professor Dr. Amanda Thomas Wins PECASE Award

Dr. Amanda Thomas, a visiting professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at UC Davis, has just been awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) — one of the highest honors the U.S. government can bestow on early-career scientists. Presented by President Joe Biden...READ MORE

UC Davis Researcher Returns After Trip Aboard Scientific Drilling Vessel

On March 11, 2011, a 9.1 magnitude earthquake hit just off the northeast coast of Honshu, the most populated island of Japan. The seismic event triggered a tsunami with a wave height of more than 130 feet. The natural disaster left more than 18,000 people dead. According to the U.S. Geological Survey,...READ MORE

meet

David Gold

I was trained as a biologist, but I have always had a keen interest in the fossil record. Over time I have found that the information hidden in DNA can help address debates that have vexed paleontology and geochemistry.

i am a molecular paleontologist.

meet

Isabel Montañez

I study ancient climates and how the Earth responded to climate change. Our study of ancient climates provides insight into how rainfall patterns, surface temperatures, and ecosystems will respond to future warming.

i am a paleoclimatologist.