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.

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Giving Day 2025

Please support Geology & Geophysics students and programs during the University of Utah's annual “Giving Day” campaign!

Please give early to help us surpass our goals. (Last year, Geology received 60 donors for a total of $57,450. Our goal this year is 75 donors and $60,000+ dollars.)

Students holding up certificates

2025 Geology and Geophysics Annual Spring Awards Luncheon

Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025 at 12:00 PM in Crocker Science Center Room 206

RSVP is required by April 16th

One FREE ticket per each GG student, faculty, and staff. Family & Friend tickets are $5 each. Please pay in CASH by April 18th in FASB 383

Decoding Mysterious Seismic Signals

U scientists track mysterious ‘speed bumps’ deep inside the Earth. “These are some of the most extreme features discovered on the planet. We legitimately do not know what they are,” says Michael Thorne, associate professor of geology and geophysics.

Photo of all faculty involved

New State-of-the-Art Mass Spectrometer.

The U of U's Department of Geology & Geophysics has been awarded a million-dollar grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to acquire state-of-the-art mass spectrometry instrumentation for measuring isotope ratios of heavier elements at the precision needed to perform cutting-edge research into Earth’s deep past.