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Geosciences

The Department of Geosciences at Texas Tech University provides a wide range of research and educational experiences in the field of earth & atmospheric sciences. The Department has a strong commitment to research, education & outreach in the subdisciplines of Earth Sciences including physical & human geography, geology, geophysics and atmospheric science. Our faculty are recognized experts in the fields of geochemistry, geophysics, geomorphology, arid land-use studies, bio-geography, urban & economic geography, environmental studies, structural geology & plate tectonics, vertebrate/invertebrate paleontology, atmospheric science, and the application of geographical information systems to solve geological & environmental problems. Graduates of the program can be found at work in the petroleum industry, state and federal agencies, environmental firms, and major colleges and universities. We instruct students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in the earth sciences and offer Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy.

DEPARTMENTAL NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS...

Carbonates graduate class, led by Assistant Professor Dustin Sweet, visits San Salvador, Bahamas to examine modern carbonate environments. Much snorkeling was to be had, including a variety of patch reefs and a float down a tidal channel during ebb tide. Students collected and analyzed sediments from beach profiles, Thallassia and sand flats, tidal channel and ebb deltas to compare the grain size spectrums and associated varying energy regimes. The field trip was partially funded by BP. Thanks BP!

Geoscience Research Day 2012 A Great Success. - 9 May 2012

1st Place: Aaron Watters, Early Permian wind parameters recorded in the Lyons Fm., Manitou Springs, CO.

2nd Place: Heather Wood, A two-case study of convective initiation off the dryline in the Texas panhandle.

Honorable Mention: Trudy Watkins, Quartz preferred orientation and its impact on thermal anisotropy in sandstone and quartite.

The Department welcomes Dr. Dustin Sweet, new Assistant Professor of Geosciences. Dustin specializes in clastic sedimentology, sequence stratigraphy, and sedimentary processes. Welcome, Dustin!
Dr. William Asquith and the U.S. Geological Survey, Texas Water Science Center join Texas Tech University Geosciences.

 

 

Research Highlights
Assistant Professor Brian Ancell awarded 5-year NSF CAREER grant: Quantifying inadvertent weather modification and education through museum programs. Go here for more information. Congratulations, Brian!
Research Associate Kartharine HayhoeJim Barrick was awarded funding for 2011-2014 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for his participation in the collaborative research project Integrated Paleoceanographic Analysis of the Late Paleozoic Midcontinent Sea ($108,000). Click here for more information.
Research Associate Kartharine HayhoeAssistant Professor Callum Hetherington cashes in at NSF! Congratulations Dr. Hetherington! Click here for more information.