Welcome to Earth & Planetary Sciences!
At the University of New Mexico, the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences is dedicated to understanding how our dynamic planet works — from the movement of tectonic plates to the cycling of water, carbon, and energy through the Earth system. Our faculty, students, and research staff explore how these processes shape landscapes, sustain life, and respond to a changing climate.
We train the next generation of Earth scientists to tackle some of society’s most pressing challenges — from climate change and natural hazards to water scarcity and sustainable resource use. Our programs emphasize hands-on learning, quantitative skills, and field- and laboratory-based research that connect geologic history to the processes shaping our planet and solar system. Undergraduate students build a strong foundation in the Earth and planetary sciences and have opportunities to engage directly in research. Graduate students pursue advanced studies across a broad spectrum of disciplines, including climatology and paleoclimatology; geomorphology; geochemistry; hydrology; mineralogy; planetary sciences; tectonics; and volcanology.
Faculty and students in our department conduct research that deepens our understanding of how the Earth system is changing — and what those changes mean for ecosystems, communities, and the future of our planet. Whether you are interested in exploring landscapes on Earth or other planets, analyzing the chemistry of rocks and waters, or studying the long-term impacts of climate change, UNM’s Earth and Planetary Sciences Department offers the tools, mentorship, and collaborative environment to enable such research and learning experiences.
We invite you to explore our programs, meet our faculty, and learn how you can join us in discovering the processes that shape our planet and define its future.
