Welcome to the university of utah's

department of geology and geophysics

Welcome to the department of geology & geophysics

As Geoscientists, we apply the principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology to understand the composition, structure, and history of the Earth and the processes that govern it. Our students use this knowledge to address societal needs and problems, such as locating and characterizing mineral, energy, and groundwater resources, assessing seismic and other geologic hazards, and evaluating and remediating environmental contamination.

DEPARTMENT RESEARCH & NEWSView all news

Earthquake Hazard Models

The sediments underlying the Salt Lake Valley are thicker in places than previously thought, indicating that current seismic hazard models likely underestimate the amount of shaking Utah’s population center could experience in future earthquakes, according to new research led by University of Utah seismologists.

Tales from the Deep Interview with GG Grad Student Emily Cunningham about IODP and Scientific Ocean Drilling

"Those who have sailed on (scientific drilling vessels) these ships and mission-specific platforms, and supported the many off- and onshore missions, share stories about their personal and professional experiences with scientific ocean drilling."

Wilkes Center energy future panel discussion: from left, Laura Nelson (Idaho National Laboratory), Joe Moore (Utah FORGE), William Anderegg (Wilkes Center for Climate Policy and Policy), Teresa Foley (rPlus Energies), Logan Mitchell (Utah Clean Energy)