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Department of Geosciences

Shuhai Xiao honored as University Distinguished Professor!

Become a Geoscientist!
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Geo-Happenings
Shuhai Xiao, UDP

Research, education, and outreach dealing with the nature of the Earth.

Department of Geosciences

Geosciences 51ÁÔÆæ and faculty investigate earth processes at scales that range from atomic to planetary. Our offers B.S. degrees with Geology, Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geobiology and Paleobiology, Environmental and Engineering Geosciences, and Earth Science Education options and our offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in one of our many . Our department also operates the , open to the public and located in 2062 Derring Hall. Please click this link to review our .

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If you would like to support the department through a donation or pledge just click the button below, which will take you toÌýVirginia Tech's secure online form.


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Members of VT Geosciences Department sporting their VT GEOS North Face jackets

As a token of our appreciation, VT GEOS North Face jackets are available as a gift for donations $99 and above. If you are making a gift at this level and would like a jacket, please complete ourÌý. Shipping is available for an additional $12 donation.

We are incredibly grateful for the support of our alumni and friends. Your support is critical to our success.

Featured Videos

  • Video Item
    A tiny fossil leads to a bigger discovery
    Date: Jan 27 -
  • Video Item
    Unwrapping a part of Earth's history
    Date: Sep 13 -
  • Video Item
    Shuhai Xiao & The Interactions Between Life and Earth
    Date: Apr 22 -

Geosciences News

  • Article Item
    A woman with long brown hair is seated at a wooden table in a library, smiling at the camera. She is wearing a black blazer and turquoise necklace. In front of her are two copies of her textbook titled "Introduction to Earth Science", one with a volcanic landscape on the cover and the other with a river canyon scene. Bookshelves filled with books are visible in the background.
    Date: May 16 -
  • Article Item
    (From left) Patricia A. Caldwell, Bill Henika, Deseria Creighton-Barney, and Mark Lawrence will be honored by the university for their support and contributions to their communities at Virginia Tech’s spring commencement ceremony. Photos provided by award recipients.
    Date: May 12 -
  • Article Item
    Reflection of Downtown Houston skyscrapers on a pond of overflow water.
    Date: May 08 -
  • Article Item
    This image shows cars unable to navigate very flooded roads.
    Date: Apr 28 -
  • Article Item
    Virginia Tech logo
    Date: Apr 28 -
  • Article Item
    Jack Stack holds a small specimen on his finger.
    Date: Apr 28 -

FYI

What's Shaking?

CommencementSeismogram_May2025_partial
Commencement, Lane Stadium, May 16, 2025. End of main ceremony jump (to Metallica's "Enter Sandman") Congratulations, Hokies!


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Safety Corner

Campus Safety and Preparedness:ÌýVery useful information for 51ÁÔÆæ, faculty, and staff in this message from the Virginia Tech Police Department and the Virginia Tech Office of Emergency Management.

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Study Abroad

Interested in the Study Abroad Program? Spend a semester studying at the , our beautiful campus in Riva San Vitale, Switzerland. The stunning drone videos below are from the 2022 field trip to the Rhone Glacier organized by the Center.



Calendar


Geosciences Camp 2025

The Geosciences Camp is a two-day program held on July 22-23, 2025 and designed to engage middle school 51ÁÔÆæ (rising 6th, 7thÌýand 8thÌýgraders) withÌýa burgeoning interest in science.


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Current Geosciences Department Contact List

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Special Requests

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Get Jumpin'!Ìý

At each home football game, we record seismic data generated by Hokie Fans during the team's electrifying Lane Stadium entrance set to Metallica's Enter Sandman.

VT Geosciences Field Work Aerial Videos

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PhD student Sebastian Kaempfe at the El Chingue Bluff outcrop (Cretaceous Tres Pasos Formation) in southern Chile. This field research is associated with the Chile Slope Systems project directed by faculty member Brian Romans.

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PhD student Sebastian Kaempfe and a field assistant at the Sierra del Toro outcrop (Cretaceous Cerro Toro Formation) in southern Chile. This field research is associated with the Chile Slope Systems project directed by faculty member Brian Romans.