PhD in Earth and Climate Sciences - Environmental Geosciences in Orono United States | University of Maine

The Environmental Geosciences Group at the University of Maine investigates Earth's near-surface processes governing water flow, soil erosion, sediment and nutrient transport through river systems, and the chemical transformation of geological materials. Protecting ecosystems, safeguarding water supplies, and ensuring clean drinking water all depend on understanding these physical and chemical interactions. These processes affect residents when they drink from Maine's plentiful water sources or fish in its numerous lakes and rivers, while also influencing ecosystem health in both rural and urban areas. Faculty researchers examine watershed geomorphology, peatland water systems and geochemistry, fractured bedrock groundwater flow, rock weathering processes, and geochemical aspects of carbon storage and greenhouse gas emissions. Key research questions driving the group's work include: When and how much sediment moves through watersheds

What role does peatland groundwater play in carbon cycling Which chemical processes dominate rock weathering
How do living organisms influence mineral breakdown
How do watersheds adapt to shifting climate patterns, plant life, and urban development
The team employs field observations, lab experiments, and computational modeling in their work. University of Maine partners in environmental geoscience join us in advancing environmental knowledge to create sustainable resource management approaches. State and federal agencies, along with these collaborative groups, offer rich possibilities for cross-disciplinary engagement.