Understanding how our planet works
Our goal is to understand, predict, and respond to human-caused and natural environmental change at local to global scales. Scientists in our Earth System Science department offer a strong graduate research program across a broad range of environmental and Earth science disciplines for students working toward a doctoral degree. Undergraduate and coterminal master's degrees are offered through the closely related and popular Earth Systems Program.
Degree Programs
Undergraduate
The Earth System Science department does not have an undergraduate program. However, many of its faculty teach in the popular, interdisciplinary Earth Systems Program, which offers a BS and co-terminal MS degree.
Meet some of our community members
Crystallizing concepts through dance
No place like Hawaii
Cultivating diverse communities
Events related to Earth System Science
Earth system science news
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Ripples of air known as atmospheric gravity waves can influence the polar vortex, severe winter weather, and long-term climate patterns. Using AI and machine learning, researchers have developed a way to realistically represent their effects in global climate models.
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The 2026 Stanford Global and Planetary Health Research Convening brought scholars together to discuss solutions and strategies to address health challenges and build resilience.
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Companies undercount emissions from their supply chains by billions of tons, a new study reveals. A new model could help them find and shrink the biggest contributors to their carbon footprints.
