Department of Earth Sciences

POST 701
1680 East-West Road
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-7640
Fax: (808) 956-5512
Email: earth-dept@soest.hawaii.edu
Web: www.soest.hawaii.edu/earthsciences/

Faculty

*G. T. Apuzen-Ito, PhD (Chair)—marine geophysics and geodynamics
*T. Anderson, PhD—coastal geology
*A. Atwood, PhD—paleoclimatology, stable isotope and trace element geochemistry
*S. Coats, PhD—climate dynamics, paleoclimate
*H. Dulai, PhD—coastal hydrology and groundwater geochemistry
*R. A. Dunn, PhD—marine geophysics and seismology
*D. Eason, PhD—igneous petrology, volcanology, marine geology
*C. H. Fletcher, PhD—coastal geology
*E. J. Gaidos, PhD—geobiology, planetary science
*X. Geng, PhD—hydrogeology
*J. E. Hammer, PhD—igneous petrology, volcanology and experimental petrology
*B. F. Houghton, PhD—volcanic hazards and society
*H. Janiszewski, PhD—seismology, volcanology, marine geophysics
*P. Jiang, PhD—minerology, micro-geochemistry, igneous and metamorphic petrology
*A. Kamanu, PhD—geophysics, geoscience education
*H. H. Kane, PhD—coastal geology, geoecology
*M. Kuznetsov, PhD—igneous petrology and geochemistry with tectonic implications, volcanology
*W. Nelson, PhD—planetary and experimental petrology
*A. J. Pietruszka, PhD—igneous geochemistry
*B. N. Popp, PhD—isotopic biogeochemistry
*S. K. Rowland, PhD—volcanology, Hawaiian geology, remote sensing
S. J. Rowley, PhD—marine biology
*T. Shea, PhD—physical volcanology and igneous petrology
*B. R. Smith-Konter, PhD—crustal deformation and planetary tectonics
*C. Wall, PhD—physiological ecology, isotopic biogeochemistry, microbiomes
*S-M. Wu, PhD—seismology and crustal dynamics

Cooperating Graduate Faculty

D. Bottjer-Wilson, PhD—biogeochemistry
B. Bruno, PhD—planetary volcanology and geoscience education
R. Butler, PhD—seismology
B. Chen, PhD—mineral physics, mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry
P. Dera, PhD—mineral physics, mineralogy, petrology, crystallography
E. Dobrica, PhD—cosmochemistry, hydrothermal experiments
M. H. Edwards, PhD—marine geology and geophysics
P. Englert, PhD—nuclear chemistry, planetary geoscience, remote sensing
S. A. Fagents, PhD—planetary volcanology
L. Flynn, PhD—remote sensing of fires and volcanoes
J. Foster, PhD—marine, volcano, tectonic geodesy, GPS meteorology
M. A. Garcés, PhD—infrasound, wave propagation, volcanology
E. Herrero-Bervera, PhD—paleomagnetism, geomagnetism
G. R. Huss, PhD—cosmochemistry, early solar system chronology
A. N. Krot, PhD—meteorites, planetary geosciences
N. Lautze, PhD—water and geothermal resources; physical volconology
S. Li, PhD—planetary geology, spectroscopy, volcanology
P. G. Lucey, PhD—planetary geosciences, remote sensing
M. H. Manghnani, PhD—high-pressure geophysics, mineral physics
F. Martinez, PhD—marine geophysics
A. Misra, PhD—LIBS and fluorescence, material science
K. Nagashima, PhD—ion microprobe analysis, cosmochemistry
K. Ruttenberg, PhD—biogeochemistry, marine geochemistry
S. K. Sharma, PhD—Raman and IR spectroscopy in geochemistry
D. Thomas, PhD—groundwater and hydrothermal systems
D. Trang, PhD—planetary geomorphology, planetary remote sensing
Y. Tsang, PhD—ecohydrology
R. Wright, PhD—volcanology

Affiliate Graduate Faculty

C. Bina, PhD—mineralogy
D. F. Blake, PhD—mineral physics
J. Bradley, PhD—analytical electron microscopy in materials and astromaterials science
B. Brooks, PhD—geophysics
R. J. Carey, PhD—physical volcanology
E. S. Costello, PhD—planetary geology
R. T. Downs, PhD—mineralogy, mineral physics
J. Engels, PhD—community-engaged research
K. A. Falinski, PhD—environmental science
A. G. Frazier, PhD—geography
J. Gillis-Davis, PhD—planetary geosciences, remote sensing
A. M. Goodliffe, PhD—marine geophysics
N. Grobbe, PhD—(hydro-)geophysics, seismic, electromagnetic, volcanoes, groundwater, inverse problems
H. Ishii, PhD—cosmochemistry, small solar system bodies, electron microscopy
W. W. Kuhne, PhD—radiobiology
K. M. Larson, PhD—geodesy
G. McMurtry, PhD—chemical volcanology
M. Patrick, PhD—volcanology
C. Shuler, PhD—hydrology
J. Taddeucci, PhD—volcanology
B. Taylor, PhD—plate tectonics, geology of ocean margin basins (retired)
T. Thordarson, PhD—volcanology
R. Whittier, MS—hydrologic modeling, ground water

*Graduate Faculty

The Academic Program

The Department of Earth Sciences (ERTH; formerly Geology and Geophysics (GG)) is dedicated to the scientific study of the exterior and interior of the Earth and other planetary bodies. Sub-disciplines within the department are many, and offer rich opportunities for multidisciplinary study of problems of great intellectual and practical importance.

Coastal geologists study processes such as sedimentation and beach erosion, reef growth and degradation, and sea level change.

Hydrologists and Hydrogeochemists study the cycling of fresh water between the atmosphere, land, and ocean. Of particular emphasis is how climate change impacts this cycle; how fresh water supplies are impacted by human activities, including landuse practices and the introduction of contaminants into surface and groundwater; and how climate, hydrologic, and terrestrial processes impact the ocean and its ecosystems by way of surface water and submarine groundwater discharge.

Engineering geologists provide geotechnical recommendations affecting the design, construction, and operation of engineering projects based on Earth material properties, geological structures, and processes such as faulting, landslides, erosion, and flooding.

Mineralogists and petrologists examine the temperature, pressure, and environmental conditions that influence the formation of minerals and rocks, constrain the origins of magmas, and study many of the processes that influence the style of volcanic eruptions.

Geochemists specialize in the chemistry of Earth materials to understand a very broad range of subjects including the make-up of the deep Earth, the formation of the seafloor, the origin of volcanoes, as well as past and present changes in Earth’s climate, ocean environment, and life.

Volcanologists study how gas, fluid, and magma interact to create different types of volcanic eruptions, study the dynamics of active eruptions; characterize pre-historic eruptions through the study of volcaniclastic deposits; and address hazard mitigation.

Geophysicists use seismic waves, potential fields, sonar, radar, and GPS for studying earthquakes, Earth’s surface and internal structure, land deformation, and plate tectonics. They also use mathematics, continuum mechanics, and high performance computing to model Earth and planetary processes.

Planetary scientists examine how the Earth and Solar System formed, study past and present active processes on planetary bodies, search for extrasolar planets, and explore planetary conditions needed for life.

Undergraduate and graduate students in the department are instructed and advised by world-class researchers in a variety of the above sub-disciplines. Students participate in a diverse course curriculum involving in-class instruction, laboratory activities, fieldwork, and shipboard exercises. They have access to state-of-the-art facilities including a number of different types of mass spectrometers, an electron microprobe, an X-ray diffraction laboratory, and high-performance computing facilities. Field trips take students to volcanoes in Hawaiʻi and other islands, as well as on the U.S. mainland and around the world. Students also participate in research cruises onboard research vessels operated by SOEST. Students who are involved in research projects regularly present their findings in scientific conferences and journal publications. These varied activities allow students to take full advantage of Hawaiʻi’s unique geographic location and its rich geologic and environmental setting.

Students graduate from the Department of Earth Sciences with an in-depth understanding of the relevance of the geosciences to society, especially in Hawaiʻi and on Pacific islands, as well as the ways human civilization impacts the Earth and environment. Students are able to use skills in math, physics, chemistry, and biology as well as technical knowledge in computer applications, laboratory methods, and field techniques for solving real-world problems in the geosciences. Graduates know how to ethically apply the scientific method and can use basic principles in geoscience for explaining natural phenomena. Our graduates develop proficiency in communicating their knowledge in oral presentations and in writing professional documents. As a result, our majors are very successful in obtaining jobs in fields within or closely related to the geosciences. These fields include environmental assessment and remediation, engineering, geotechnical consulting, oil, natural gas and mineral resources development; water resource management; science education; as well as applied and basic research.

Advising

Undergraduate students contemplating a major or minor in earth sciences should contact the SOEST Student Academic Services in HIG 131B (808) 956-8763. Undergraduate advisors can be contacted through the department office (808) 956-7640, earth-dept@soest.hawaii.edu. Graduate students are appointed a faculty advisor upon admittance into the program.

Undergraduate Study

BA in Environmental Earth Science, General Track

The General track of the BA degree in environmental earth science is appropriate for students interested in Earth Science but not necessarily intending to pursue graduate school. It is more flexible than the BS program, and is geared toward students who plan to enter the environmental and geotechnical fields upon graduation. It includes a combination of traditional geology topics such as field methods and sedimentology, as well as more applied topics such as hydrogeology, geospatial information, and environmental geochemistry. Students interested in Coastal Geology, Environmental Systems, Geologic Hazards, or Geotechnical Training can opt for a curated set of electives that will provide focused content on these topics.

BA in Environmental Earth Science, Earth Science Education Track

The Earth Science Education track is for students who want to become excellent middle school and high school Earth Science teachers. This track is part of a 5-year BAP (Bachelor’s and Post-Baccalaureate) degree program whereby students in their 3rd year are admitted to the College of Education’s Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Teacher Education (PBCTE) program. Upon completion of the 4th year of the BA and then the 1-year Post-Baccalaureate program, students will be certified as teachers for the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education. Science course work covers earth sciences, meteorology, oceanography, astronomy, biology, chemistry, and physics. If a student decides to opt out of the PBCTE program, s/he can replace the Education courses with upper-division science electives, and earn only the Environmental Earth Sciences - Earth Science Education BA degree.

BS in Earth Sciences, Six Concentrations

This BS degree is designed for students interested in pursuing graduate work or employment in the geosciences. It provides essential grounding in the computational, analytical, and observational skills needed in the modern Earth Sciences academic and workforce realms, and it develops skills in written and oral communication, problem solving, and teamwork. The program offers the opportunity for students to develop specialized knowledge in disciplinary concentrations (Geophysics & Tectonics, Environmental & Hydrology, Volcano Science, and Planetary Science) or to tailor the degree for an individualized learning experience, under the aegis of a General concentration. It is also possible to pursue an advanced level of independent study with a guided Research concentration. All concentrations in the program are interdisciplinary and integrate chemistry, physics, mathematics, and life sciences.

Geophysics & Tectonics Concentration

The Geophysics and Tectonics concentration explores the physical processes that shape the Earth, from its deep interior to the surface. Students examine how the planet’s structure changes over time, exploring plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, and the deep forces that drive these processes. They develop a foundation in geophysics and geomechanics, applying principles of gravity, electromagnetism, heat flow, and elastic waves to reveal subsurface processes and material properties. Through fieldwork and data analysis, students investigate Earth’s dynamic systems while building skills for careers in disaster risk analysis, renewable energy, critical mineral exploration, environmental consulting, engineering geology, and science communication, as well as advanced study in Earth sciences.

Environmental & Hydrology Concentration

The Environmental and Hydrology concentration is intended for students who wish to enter the workforce as water resource managers, environmental consultants, or hydrologists, or to pursue graduate studies in hydrogeology and environmental sciences. Students will understand water properties and gain hands-on field and laboratory experience measuring water flows and biogeochemistry associated with hydrologic processes and the hydrologic cycle. Students will study environmental records in geologic materials including modern sediments, sedimentary structures, their compositions, and geochemistry as key to understanding Earth’s past and current environments. They will apply tools for monitoring change within modern hydrological and sedimentary environments and be capable of developing sustainable resource management strategies. Students enrolled in the Environmental & Hydrology concentration receive a broad and deep training in Earth surface processes.

Volcano Science Concentration

The Volcano Science concentration prepares students to enter the workforce as field geologists or volcanic hazard experts, or to pursue graduate studies in volcanology, igneous petrology, or geochemistry. This concentration explores the generation, evolution, transport, eruption, and fate of magma, principally as these processes relate to volcanism on the Earth and planets. Students will study the relationships between volcanic hazards, impacts, and risks to communities. Students will learn via field trips throughout the Hawaiian islands, laboratory experiments, analyses of rocks and minerals, and group projects.

Planetary Science Concentration

The Planetary Science Concentration prepares students to enter a growing government and private-sector workforce engaged in exploring the planets, moons, and small Solar System bodies, as well as for graduate studies in planetary science and cosmochemistry. Students will also have opportunities to collaborate with colleagues in the Hawaiʻi Institute of Geophysics and Planetology (HIGP) on a multitude of external and in-house space missions. They will examine the formation and evolution of the Solar System, studying planetary surfaces and interiors using remote sensing, geophysics, petrology, and comparative planetology while developing expertise in planetary geology, cosmochemistry, and exploration.

General Concentration

The General concentration affords maximum content flexibility and promotes exploration of cross-cutting fields. This concentration prepares students for a broad range of geoscience careers, including geotechnical consultancy, teaching, and graduate programs.

Basic Science and Research Concentration

This concentration allows for a more flexible course work program that is tailored to the student’s individual goals. It requires the student to work with an advisor on a research thesis.

Minor

Please see “Programs” section below for more information about this program.

Graduate Study

Admission Requirements

All students are urged to have completed a course in a computer programming language before entrance. All applications are due by January 15 for admission in the fall semester or by August 15 for the spring semester.

Any undergraduate deficiencies will be determined from the student’s transcripts and intended field of study, and a plan to address them will be devised at a preliminary conference. ERTH 611 is intended for students entering from a non-geoscience field to prepare them for graduate studies in the geosciences.

The department offers two master’s degrees. The research MS (Plan A) degree emphasizes research and culminates in the public defense of a written thesis. The course work MS (Plan B) degree involves a research project but does not require a thesis. Applicants who are unsure about which MS program to apply should consult with the department prior to applying.

Programs

Bachelor’s

Master’s

Earth and Planetary Sciences, MS

Doctorate

Earth and Planetary Sciences, PhD

Minor

Earth Sciences, Minor

Combined

Environmental Earth Science, Education track, BA/Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Teacher Education [requirements forthcoming]

Other Programs

Earth Science Education, BA/Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Teacher Education