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Academic expertise. Research prowess. Student success.

There’s a whole world of discovery in the ground beneath your feet. From the shifting of tectonic plates to the eruption of volcanoes, learn about the Earth and all of the natural processes that have shaped it over time.

Department faculty, researchers, graduate students, and undergraduate students pursue field, laboratory, experimental, and modeling studies of geological and environmental problems around the world. The department's excellent facilities and technical personnel support a range of methods and the department's ideal location also provides ready access to the many natural laboratories of Nevada, California and the western United States. Research specialties include Earth and planetary surface processes, geodynamics, volcanology, geochemistry, petrology, earthquakes and seismology, mineral and energy resources, hydrology and hydrogeology.

Recent news from the Department

A framed photo of Steven Roberts on top of a bookshelf with mining equipment around it and a map behind it.

CREG aims to fill gaps in mining needs

The Center for Research in Economic Geology has helped unearth Nevada’s mineral riches

Two people stand behind a structure with four solar panels, a satellite dish and other boxes attached. A camera is also attached at the top.

Nevada Seismological Laboratory continues making waves

The lab has expanded its mission to provide 24/7 wildfire monitoring

A crane holding two people rising up toward a communications tower. There are partly cloudy skies in the background.

Nevada Seismological Laboratory installs new wildfire camera in Minden

The NSL partnered with NV Energy, Douglas County and AT&T to install the camera