Areas of Study

Break New Ground

The department of Earth and Environmental Geosciences offers degree programs in geosciences and in Earth systems. The curriculum includes core classes in environmental and physical geology, Earth history, solid Earth processes, Earth surface processes, hydrogeology, and structural geology, combined with a diverse range of electives. We stress field work in all appropriate classes at all levels.

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Earth and Environmental Geosciences

The Earth and Environmental Geosciences B.S. provides Tigers an understanding of Earth’s systems and the transformation of those systems through time.  Tigers learn about the exploration and conservation of natural resources as well as human environmental impacts upon the Earth. 

Earth and Environmental Geosciences (B.S.) Earth and Environmental Geosciences (Minor) 

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Earth and Environmental Geosciences 

The Earth and Environmental Geosciences B.A. draws on chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics and applied sciences in an effort to understand the chemical, physical, biological and human influences on our planet. The major is ideal for students seeking a fundamental understanding of geosciences and the flexibility to pursue intensive study in other disciplines.

​​​ Earth and Environmental Geosciences (B.A.)

Research Grants and Affiliations

In the Earth and Environmental Geosciences department, faculty teaching and research are tightly connected. 

As active scholars, our greater depth of knowledge and range of high-level research skills creates deeper and more engaging learning opportunities for students.

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Icon:icon-arrow-right Trinity icon set
EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE GRANT FROM PETEX

Software plays a vital role in Trinity Earth and Environmental Geosciences classrooms and labs.  PE Limited has generously provided the Department of Earth and Environmental Geosciences educational licenses for their industry-grade software suite. This software permits students to apply 3D computer numerical modeling to complex fault and fracture systems.  Modules permit modeling of fault kinematics, fracture network development, and fault response analysis, all of which provide robust data that students use to predict rock deformation and fluid flow in natural systems. The value of this donation, estimated by PE Limited, is $2,764,444.11

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National Science Foundation RUI Grant

Dr. Dan Lehrmann’s project focuses on testing mechanisms for regional dolomitization of Triassic carbonate platforms across the Nanpanjiang Basin of south China.  The $303,257 grant is collaborative with researchers at University of Wisconsin Green Bay and supports research at both institutions from July 1, 2021 until June 30, 2025. 

National Science Foundation RUI Grant

Dr. Ben Surpless’ project focuses on developing a predictive model of strain accommodation for segmented normal fault evolution along the Sevier fault zone, southern Utah.  The grant, for $192,828, supports research from August 1, 2021 until August 31, 2025.

 

National Science Foundation RUI Grant

Dr. Kathleen Surpless's project focuses on testing models for the Late Jurassic Nevadan orogeny using the age, provenance, and structural evolution of the Galice and Mariposa basins, in Oregon and California. The $566,404 grant is collaborative with researchers at Texas Tech University and supports research at both institutions from September 1, 2021 until August 31, 2025.

Keck Geology Consortium Grant

(funded by the National Science Foundation)

Dr. Ben Surpless’ project investigates the evolution of fault damage zones within the Sevier fault system of southern Utah, which has implications for the formation of permeability associated with fluid flow in the subsurface as well as geothermal energy potential. The $40,000 grant will support summer research for six undergraduate research students through May, 2025.

 

Keck Geology Consortium Grant

(funded by the National Science Foundation)

Dr. Kurt Knesel's project focuses on testing the extent to which pre-eruptive conditions influenced eruption style of the Taylor Creek Rhyolite lava domes and associated pyroclastic deposits in southwest New Mexico. The $44,000 grant will support summer research for five undergraduate research students through May 2026.

National Science Foundation RUI Grant

Dr. Kathleen Surpless's project addresses the fundamental problem of determining subduction polarity along ancient convergent margins. This project will couple the study of mélange belts with basin strata along a hypothesized continental-scale suture within the North American Cordillera that extends from southeast Alaska to California. The $793,857 grant is collaborative with researchers at the University of Arizona, Montana State University, and Purdue University and supports research from September 1, 2024 until August 31, 2027.

Keck Consortium
The Keck Consortium consists of geology departments at 17 liberal arts colleges scattered across the United States. The main sources of funding for the Consortium come from the National Science Foundation and each of the Consortium colleges.

 

Associated Colleges of the South
The Associated Colleges of the South is a consortium of 16 private liberal arts colleges and universities. The consortium's central office is in Atlanta, GA, while the ACS Technology Center is located at Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX.

Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology
The Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology is a university research consortium dedicated to exploring the Earth's interior through the collection and distribution of seismographic data. IRIS programs contribute to scholarly research, education, earthquake hazard mitigation, and the verification of a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.