Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences

Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences is a leading academic department within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University. It is dedicated to the integrated study of the Earth, other planets in the Solar System, and broader cosmic processes. The department's work spans from deep planetary history to contemporary environmental challenges, combining field observation, laboratory analysis, and theoretical modeling. Its faculty and researchers are frequently recognized by prestigious awards such as the MacArthur Fellowship and the National Medal of Science.

History

The department's origins are rooted in the early geological sciences at Harvard University, with foundational contributions from figures like Louis Agassiz and Nathaniel Shaler. It evolved significantly through the 20th century, notably with the work of Reginald Daly in igneous petrology and the theoretical contributions of Francis Birch to understanding the Earth's mantle. A major transformation occurred in the latter half of the century, expanding its scope from traditional geology to include geophysics, geochemistry, and planetary science, formally adopting its current name to reflect this interdisciplinary mission. This shift was influenced by the Space Age and pivotal discoveries from missions like the Apollo program and the Viking program.

Academic programs

The department offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including an undergraduate concentration in Earth and Planetary Sciences and graduate programs leading to Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Interdisciplinary collaboration is encouraged with other departments such as the John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the Department of Astronomy, and the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology. Students engage in coursework covering topics from mineralogy and tectonics to exoplanet atmospheres, complemented by extensive field work at locations like the Rocky Mountains and research voyages with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

Research areas

Research within the department is organized into several broad, interconnected themes. Planetary science work investigates the formation and evolution of bodies like Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, often using data from NASA missions such as Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. In geobiology and climate science, researchers study Earth's history through the fossil record and ice cores from Antarctica, modeling past events like the Permian–Triassic extinction event. Seismology and solid Earth geophysics research probes the structure of the Earth's core and the dynamics of plate tectonics, while geochemistry and petrology groups analyze samples from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and Hawaiian volcanoes to understand planetary differentiation.

Facilities and resources

The department maintains state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities to support its research and teaching missions. These include the Harvard Mineralogical and Geological Museum, which houses extensive collections of meteorites and gemstones, and advanced analytical facilities for isotope geochemistry and electron microprobe analysis. Researchers utilize high-performance computing clusters for modeling complex systems like mantle convection and global climate models. Field equipment and support are provided for expeditions worldwide, and the department maintains close ties with major national facilities such as the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory.

Notable faculty and alumni

The department has been associated with numerous influential scientists. Former faculty include pioneering geophysicist Francis Birch, mineral physicist Robert M. Hazen, and climatologist Michael B. McElroy. Distinguished alumni encompass a wide range of fields, such as NASA administrator and geologist James L. Green, former director of the U.S. Geological Survey Charles G. Groat, and renowned science communicator Neil deGrasse Tyson. Many faculty members are elected members of the National Academy of Sciences and have led major international research projects like the Deep Carbon Observatory.

Category:Harvard University departments Category:Earth science organizations Category:Planetary science organizations