Cornell scientists have replaced the harsh chemical processing of rare earth elements – used to power electric cars, wind turbines and smartphones – with a benign practice called biosorption. Read more
Each year the American Geophysical Union (AGU) recognizes teams and individuals for contributions to research, education, science communication, and outreach. The list of 2023 honorees includes several people with ties to Cornell’s Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. The AGU is an international nonprofit scientific association whose mission is “to promote discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity.” Among the 2023 awardees are: Associate Professor Britney Schmidt has been selected to deliver the John F. Nye Lecture. The Nye Lecture is presented annually and... Read more
To prepare for extreme heat waves around the world, running climate-simulation models that include a new, efficient computing concept may save tens of thousands of lives. Read more
Kyle Barnhart comes to EAS after a stint most recently as the Administrative and Project Manager in the Office of Academic Programs in Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). In that position he was responsible for administering the CALS Research Honors program, as well as research grant, fellowship, and scholarship awards. EAS Chair Geoff Abers describes Barnhart as "a proven leader and an effective, empathetic communicator with broad experience in higher education, as well as the public and private sectors." Barnhart currently serves as the Town Supervisor for the Town of... Read more
Geoscientists have long thought that water helps to drive volcanoes to erupt. Now, thanks to new tools at Cornell, scientists show that carbon dioxide can induce explosive eruptions. Read more
As concerns about climate change intensify, researchers are exploring the potential for large-scale human intervention in the Earth’s climate system, a strategy sometimes referred to as geoengineering. Two leading researchers in the area discuss how their research in sunlight reflection methods fits into the bigger picture of potential climate solutions. Read more
How Earth’s inner core formed and evolved over time remains a mystery, one that a team of researchers is seeking to plumb with the help of earthquakes and a global nuclear monitoring system. Read more
A group of Cornell geologists – known as the Cornell Andes Project – came together in early June to celebrate 40 years of research in South America and their collective success in advancing the understanding of plate tectonics. Read more
Professor Geoffrey Abers will extend his term as chair of the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences for one more year. Professor Natalie Mahowald will return from a sabbatical in July 2024 and begin a three-year term as chair. Read more
Student Project Teams are a big part of the Cornell experience for many undergraduates--there are 34 official teams with more than 1,400 student participants from across the university. But it has only been in the past couple of years that one of these teams is situated firmly in EAS. While many project teams focus on a competition of some sort, CU GeoData is different. And the difference is intentional. David Hysell--former chair of EAS and currently the Thomas R. Briggs Professor in Engineering—was there at the start. “Prior to 2020 I was chair of the department and at the time I identified... Read more
