Three hikers with backpacks on rocky trail overlooking alpine lake and snow-capped peaks
MEET OUR NEW GRADUATE STUDENTS

Learn about the newest members of the EPS community through photos and bios.

Meet the 2026 Cohort

Please note: Our department officially launched the Earth and Planetary Sciences major in Fall 2026. This is our new undergraduate degree program. The Geology major is no longer accepting new students, but the Geology page remains available through the menu for reference.

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. 

Sunlit pale sandstone spires and scrubby desert valley under clear blue sky, distant mountains

Earth and Planetary Sciences Major

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS)

Explore EPS Major
A close-up of brown coral

Marine and Coastal Science Major

Bachelor of Science in Marine and Coastal Science (MCS)

Explore MCS Degrees
Fractal leaves.

MAST

CalTeach / Mathematics and Science Teaching

Prepare yourself for a career in mathematics and science education

Learn more
Trilobites.

Minors

Geology Minor

Available in Geology, Geochemistry, Geophysics, Oceanography, Paleobiology

Learn more
Geoscientist outdoors

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. 

Why Earthquake Science Matters

On June 24, 2026, two devastating earthquakes struck the northern coast of Venezuela. The 7.2 magnitude foreshock was followed roughly 40 seconds later by a 7.5 magnitude mainshock. Known as a doublet, these earthquakes caused widespread damage and destruction in the country’s...READ MORE
Blue glacier photographed with snow-capped peaks and mirror-like icy water

Melting Icebergs Can Weaken a Massive, Far-Off Ocean Current System

Melting and breaking icebergs in the far-off, northeastern region of the Pacific Ocean can weaken a massive current system in the Atlantic Ocean, according to a University of California, Davis study published in Nature Communications. The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, or...READ MORE
Aerial photograph of patchwork green wetlands and scattered ponds

Protecting Botswana’s Okavango Delta Through Water Conservation

Goabaone Jaqueline Ramatlapeng vividly remembers when she would go without water from domestic pipes for days. Growing up in Kopong, a small village in Botswana, Ramatlapeng, her family and those in surrounding villages faced a similar plight: water scarcity. And when the water did flow, it was salty...READ MORE
Amanda Thomas headshot

meet

Amanda Thomas

I study tectonic, volcanic, and surface processes, integrating data collection, analysis, interpretation, and simplified numerical modeling to understand Earth's complex physical systems, and predict and respond to geohazards.

i am a geophysicist.
Isabel Montanez in her lab sitting at a table doing research.

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.