Department of Earth Sciences

Advancing knowledge of the Earth, environment and climate – from deep time to our planetary future – to empower humanity in building a more resilient world.

Photo showing mountains and a river with a person climbing the hill

Understanding the planet for a sustainable future

Our research and teaching deepens understanding of our planet and equips students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

More about what we do Meet our researchers

Study with us

Photo of students looking down microscopes
Undergraduate

Find out about our Earth Sciences course, offered through the Natural Sciences Tripos
Photo showing a group of students walking in grass with blue sky behind
Postgraduate

Explore our range of taught and research-led Masters courses
Photo shows person sat at a desk looking at computer screens
PhD opportunities

Information about our PhD opportunities, and how to apply
Photo of two people looking at a map of the Arctic, one is pointing above Greenland

Our research

We work at the intersection between scientific disciplines to tackle global challenges, from natural hazards to future energy and sustainable resources.

Our people Research themes Research facilities

News

View all

13 Jul 2026

Blog: Getting back to the outcrop – research after a career break

Selfie of a man in the field, with bare rock outcrops and mountains in the background

9 Jul 2026

Scientists unravel the fast-moving ‘butterfly effect’ of the deep ocean

Graphic showing ocean circulation off the coast of Florida

29 Jun 2026

Global mapping links structures at the edge of Earth's core with volcanic hotspots

Two maps side by side showing green lines on a purple background. Red dots overlain on the green transects indicate the position of ULVZ

23 Jun 2026

Two researchers awarded ERC Advanced Grants to investigate carbon cycle and planetary formation

Two photos: one on left showing woman sat at table with a rock in front of her and on right a man sat in a lab

22 Jun 2026

Sedgwick Building's top floor opens after renovation

Photo showing kitchen area with metal trusses arcing in the foreground

16 Jun 2026

Blog: Arran adventures – updates from the 2026 fieldtrip

Photo of students sat on an outcrop with the Doon sill in the background

Get involved

Work for us
Apply for a research fellowship
Visit the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences
Support us with a donation
Photo showing a large group of people chatting outside

Stay connected

Upcoming talks and seminars Connect with us on LinkedIn Follow our updates on Instagram Information for our alumni community