Introducing the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences
Departmental name change reflects a growing emphasis on environmental science.
Group work on lava flow from the 2018 eruption of Kilauea
Annual Newsletter 2023
Fall 2023 Edition
Study: Atmospheric circulation weakens following volcanic eruptions
An international team of scientists — including climate scientist Bronwen Konecky in Arts & Sciences — found that volcanic eruptions can cause the Pacific Walker Circulation to temporarily weaken, inducing El Niño-like conditions. Human activity is affecting this system, according to the authors of the new study published in Nature.
Radar can help fight wildfires, identify flash-flood risks
Roger Michaelides, an assistant professor of earth and planetary sciences in Arts & Sciences, is co-investigator of a new NOAA-funded project that aims to improve the warning systems for flash floods that often threaten areas recently denuded by fire.
NASA partnership is 'a jewel in WashU's crown'
WashU is a leading partner in NASA research, from the first Moon missions to future journeys probing the distant reaches of the cosmos.Alumni Newsletter
Fall 2023 Edition
Introducing the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences
Departmental name change reflects a growing emphasis on environmental science.
NASA partnership is 'a jewel in WashU's crown'
WashU is a leading partner in NASA research, from the first Moon missions to future journeys probing the distant reaches of the cosmos.
Field Notes
A Field Trip to Hawaii and Sample Collection in the Azores
Group with Mauna Loa in the background, taken from Mauna Kea
Mason Neuman and Sam Patzowsky with rock samples in the Azores
Sunset on the shore at Calheta, Sao Jorge
Awards and Notables
Complete List of AwardsBradley Jolliff
Scott Rudolph Professor of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences Bradley Jolliff, Director of the McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences at Washington University, was elected to be on NASA’s Artemis III geology team.
William McKinnon
Professor William McKinnon was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in May 2023 and awarded the 2023 Kuiper Prize for outstanding contributions to planetary science from the American Astronomical Society.
Roger Michaelides
Assistant Professor Roger Michaelides has received a $75,000 exploratory seed grant from the Taylor Geospatial Institute to study the complex interplay of permafrost, vegetation, and wildfire risk.