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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.

Atmospheric, Oceanic & Earth Sciences News & Events

Latest News

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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

Excerpt from ESOM flyer

Annual Earth System Graduate Symposium 2025

Upcoming Events

More Events
Apr16

16 Apr (CLIM) Shukla, A Personal Retrospective

Apr 16, 2025, 1:30 - 2:30 PM

Origins of Reanalysis, Seasonal Prediction, and Inclusion of Land Effects: A Personal Retrospective Wed, 16 Apr, 1:30pm Innovation 134 and via Zoom (for link, email bklinger@gmu.edu ) This seminar has two parts. The first part is to thank my students, professors and research colleagues at MIT, GSFC/NASA, UMD, COLA, GMU
Apr17

17 Apr (GEOL) McQuarrie, Peruvian Andes Tectonics and Climate

Apr 17, 2025, 4:30 - 5:30 PM

Nadine McQuarrie, University of Pittsburgh Influence of Tectonics, Climate and Drainage Basin Capture on Canyon Incision in the Peruvian Andes Thu, 17 Apr, 4:30pm Exploratory 1309 and via Zoom (for link, email bhupp@gmu.edu)
Apr18

18 Apr (GEOL) Thesis Defense: Hoppe, Ceteotherid

Apr 18, 2025, 10:30 - 11:30 AM

David Hoppe, Earth System Science MS Thesis Defense A large Cetotherid (Cetacea, Mysticeti) from the Late Miocene of Calvert Cliffs, Maryland, USA Fri, 18 Apr, 10:30am, Exploratory Hall 1309 Advisor: Mark Uhen Cetotheriidae is a family of baleen whales (Cetacea, Mysticeti) that was prolific in the Miocene Epoch. Previously considered

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

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:

Climate and Atmospheric Sciences Undergraduate Scholarship Fund 

Jagadish and Anastasia Shukla AOES Endowed Fellowship 

Climate Science Master's Fellowship

Geology Program 

 

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.