Earth, water and climate sciences are central to fundamental problems of today’s world. All of our major environmental problems—clean water shortages, global warming and sea level rise, land use, natural hazards, environmental pollution, stormwater remediation, and the availability of key natural resources—find their scientific roots, and their ultimate solutions, within the study of earth, water and climate sciences, which are the three core areas of the Department of Geosciences.
Our students increasingly use computer models of water, the climate, and the solid earth, in addition to having strong field and laboratory work skills. Our highly motivated faculty and diverse population of students take full advantage of URI’s unique location at the Atlantic coastline and in the formerly glaciated New England region. We also explore the hydrology of arctic deltas, work extensively on water issues in Asia, conduct geobiology research in California, investigate the global consequences of climate change, and much more.
We are a community of faculty, staff, students, and members of the interested public who are committed to geoscience problem solving with an anti-racist agenda: we work together to increase diversity in our programs and field, to promote equity in interpersonal, academic, and societal frameworks, to foster inclusive action, and to engage in matters of social justice.
Events
News
Climate Change is Threatening Prudence Island’s Drinking Water - Prof. Soni Pradhanang speaks with Rhode Island PBS about the growing challenges facing the Prudence Island Water District—specifically how extreme weather and aging infrastructure could affect fresh drinking water availability.
Department of Geosciences launches specialization in water and climate science - New undergraduate track will prepare students to address pressing environmental concerns in a wide range of industries