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Atmospheric science
George Mason University

Atmospheric, Oceanic & Earth Sciences

In This Department

Join us in working to better understand our planet.

From simulating atmospheric temperature to explaining geological layers to tracing ocean circulation, the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences gives students new tools to explore our planet. You will benefit from the wide range of faculty expertise across undergraduate and graduate programs in AOES.

Support our department

Help us educate students and study the Earth with a gift to the department as a whole or to specific AOES programs.

 

Atmospheric, Oceanic & Earth Sciences News & Events

Latest News

All news
Mattietti in Smithsonian Story on Subterranean Rome

Mattietti in Smithsonian Story on Subterranean Rome

Profile photo of College of Science dean Cody Edwards

Cody W. Edwards appointed as dean of the College of Science

On campus meditation garden

Research team receives funding for Arlington County’s ENERGY-HEALTH-EQUITY Project to study indoor air quality and health impacts in a warming environment

Elizabeth Grisham
Hinnov

AOES professor made Geological Society of America Fellow

Upcoming Events

More Events
Apr23

23 Apr (CLIM) Abell, Pliocene Iron Fertilization

Apr 23, 2025, 1:30 - 2:30 PM

Jordan Abell, Lehigh University No iron fertilization of the Pliocene North Pacific Wed, 23 Apr, 1:30pm Innovation 134 and via Zoom (for link, email bklinger@gmu.edu ) Host: Natalie Burls and Po Ju Chen
Apr30

30 Apr (CLIM) Hsu, Hydrology in a Warming Climate

Apr 30, 2025, 1:30 - 2:30 PM

Hsin Hsu, Princeton U Terrestrial Hydrology Changes Under a Warming Climate: Insights from Daily Data Wed, 23 Apr, 1:30pm Innovation 134 and via Zoom (for link, email bklinger@gmu.edu ) Host: Paul Dirmeyer Changes in terrestrial hydrology in a warming climate have important implications for freshwater availability, climate regulation, and societal
May1

1 May (GEOL) Geology Student Presentations

May 1, 2025, 4:30 - 5:30 PM

TBD Thu, 1 May, 4:30pm Exploratory 1309 and via Zoom (for link, email bhupp@gmu.edu)

Graduate Symposium

2025 Earth System Observations and Modeling Graduate Symposium, April 11th. Accepting Abstracts. 

 

Excerpt from ESOM flyer

Funding Graduate School

Financial support is available for graduate students

Climate Dynamics Students

A research powerhouse pushing boundaries of climate dynamics and prediction

Students learn the fundamentals of weather and atmospheric dynamics, participate in the research leadership of AOES in climate modeling, and benefit from the many facilities conducting atmosphere-related research and operations in the Washington, D.C. area.

Cloud Cover

Visit Us On Campus

Contact our program coordinators or main office to learn more about the department or schedule a visit.

Fairfax Campus, Exploratory Hall 3451 and Research Hall 109 
4400 University Drive, MSN 5F2, Fairfax, VA 22030  
Phone: 703-993-5394

  • Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences
  • Campus Map
Exploratory Hall at George Mason University Fairfax Campus

Why AOES at Mason?

Over 80,000

Approximate number of times AOES faculty articles were cited in the scientific literature.

20

Average class lab size. 

5

Number of degree programs offered by the department to undergraduate and graduate students.

* The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.