Geology is concerned with the internal and external processes of the earth over time. These two programs merge in broad areas relating to surficial processes, remote sensing, earth resources, and the application of computers to natural and man-made phenomena. The department has a strong international commitment that includes the study of the globalenvironment. The program emphasizes research and an advanced set of courses. Faculty research activities comprise a broad spectrum of expertise, including both theoretical and applied interests.
Opportunities exist for integrated field and laboratory research.
The geology program emphasizes crust and mantle evolution, paleobiology, and environmental and resource geology. Included are specialized studies in geophysics, geochemistry, high pressure experimental petrology and rock deformation, tectonics, structural geology, igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary petrology, surficial processes, stratigraphy, paleoecology, phylogeny reconstruction, functional morphology and evolution. The campus is well located to provide access to field areas exhibiting diverse geologic and tectonic phenomena, to the Bodega Marine Laboratory, and other UC research stations. A graduate department of the University of California at San Diego, Scripps is one of the oldest and largest centers for global science research and graduate training in the world. More than 300 research programs are now conducted at Scripps, aimed at gaining comprehensive understanding of the oceans, atmosphere and structure of the Earth.