Research Themes

Research in the Department of Earth, Atmosphere, and Climate is organized around four core themes that address regional and global challenges through interdisciplinary, data-driven approaches. Supported by major national agencies and connected to a wide network of facilities and collaborators, our work advances scientific understanding while fostering a rigorous and inclusive graduate community.

Earth and Environmental System Processes

This theme explores the Earth as a series of interconnected systems, encompassing Geological Deformation, Earthquakes and Dynamics, Co-evolution of Earth and Life, and Earth System Evolution. We focus on improving understanding of the processes in both Earth’s interior and on the surface, and how they interact across time and space. Life, water, the atmosphere, and the solid planet shape the cycles and patterns we observe today. Faculty study how geologic, climatic, and human factors influence Earth’s systems.

Studies include hydrologic modeling and prediction, Earth’s isotopic evolution, biogeochemical greenhouse gas fluxes, and laboratory-scale investigations of tectonic processes.

People: Igor Beresnev, Ben Johnson, Jacqueline Reber, Kristie Franz, and Betsy Swanner.

Meteorology and Atmospheric Science

This theme encompasses quantitative approaches to analyze and predict weather on time scales from the next hour to seasons ahead via Numerical, Analytical, and Artificial Intelligence Modeling, and Data Assimilation. Research in this area improves forecasting, including extreme weather events, by understanding the physical mechanisms that drive weather and climate variability and change with a particular emphasis in numerical modeling.

Studies include mesoscale convective systems, quantitative precipitation forecasting, tornado dynamics, severe local storms, and improving understanding and prediction of tropical cyclones.

People: Dave Flory, Bill Gallus, Robert Nystrom, Christina Patricola, and Ian Williams.

Climate: Past, Present, and Future

This theme focuses on understanding the Hydrologic Variability, Reconstructing Past Climate Variability, Atmosphere-ocean Interactions, and Land-atmosphere Interactions. A comprehensive understanding of climate change and associated environmental responses requires studying modern climate processes, quantifying past climate change, and using models to estimate future change. Models of regional and global climate are used to explore atmospheric, oceanic and ice dynamics, and surface processes in the past, present and future.

Studies include developing proxy records to reconstruct climate variability and change in recent millennia, natural variability and anthropogenic change in tropical cyclone activity, and hydrologic change associated with climate and land use.

People: Kristie Franz, Ben Johnson, Christina Patricola, Al Wanamaker, Ian Williams, and Aaron Wood.

Geoscience Concepts

This theme focuses on communicating and teaching concepts in the above three themes using Teaching as Research. At ISU, research on learning in the geosciences encompasses multiple learning contexts (e.g., lab, virtual environment, and classroom) and frequently involves collaboration with other scientists, educators, and colleagues at partner institutions across the nation. Activities in this theme reflect our commitment to innovate in geoscience teaching, foster the success of students, and communicate sound science to the general public.

Research studies include incorporation of student-led research projects in introductory geology labs, incorporation of drone technology and 3D printing into teaching, and course-based undergraduate research projects.

People: Cinzia Cervato, Dave Flory, Bill Gallus, Chris Harding, Lindsay Maudlin, Katie Tott, and Aaron Wood.