Research

The College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences is built on a foundation of outstanding research faculty who work together to solve today's complex, interdisciplinary environmental challenges. Our research covers the entire spectrum of Earth system science, including basic research on physical, chemical and biological processes in the solid Earth, ocean and atmosphere. We work to connect our research to societal issues, including climate change, natural hazards, water resources policy, and management of natural resources. Whether we are providing insights into the complex controls on our climate, gathering data that can inform fisheries management, or studying the human dimensions of natural resource management initiatives, we strive to solve problems that face Oregon, the nation and the world.



Research Groups, Institutes, and Facilities
 
Undergraduate Research
 
Seminars and Lectures


Research Focus Areas

 

ship by the snowy shore

Oceanography

Our oceanography program, among the best in the world, spans physical oceanography, paleooceanography, nearshore science, elemental cycles and food webs.

tilted uplifted rock layers

The Geosphere

Our geology and geophysics faculty study a range of Earth system processes to understand our dynamic planet using advanced analytical facilities, modeling, field work and more.

swirling clouds above a tree line

Atmospheric Sciences

Our atmospheric sciences research, which is often tied to investigating the Earth’s climate system, employs a variety of methods, from field work to numerical modeling to lab work.

ominous clouds above pointy rocks

Hazards

Whether abrupt threats such as coastal storms or the slow creep of sea-level rise, we undertake rigorous, interdisciplinary study of hazards and the human response to them to help build resilient communities.

a mirror smooth lake in front of trees and a hill

Water

Faculty in this research area are taking a watershed view of today’s toughest water resource challenges — drought and disaster risk, disappearing snowpack, diplomacy between shared basins and more.

Baja California viewed from space

Geography and Geospatial Science

Geography researchers in our college are on the forefront of understanding the Earth's environments, landscapes, people and places.

snowy landscape

Cryosphere

Studies of icy and snowy landscapes are inextricably linked with learning about our climate system— past, present and future. Our cryosphere scientists work locally and globally examining ancient ice cores, glacial melting, and controls on snowfall.

two core samples

Past Climates

We use a range of proxies to reconstruct the Earth’s ancient climate, from mud to ice to shells of single-celled organisms. This dive into the past can help us understand the Earth’s present and future climates.

many people on the steps of the Memorial Union

Disciplines

Our faculty are organized into four discipline areas, but frequently work on interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary projects across these divisions.