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Atmospheric science
George Mason University

J. Shukla Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and 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.

 

J. Shukla Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Sciences News & Events

Latest News

More news
Smoke in NYC caused by Canadian Fires

IN THE MEDIA: Why wildfire smoke still catches cities off guard

Bloomberg: By Summer Maxwell
Professor Luis Ortiz with his Micrometeorological Modeling class. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

This course turns climate science into real-world impact for Virginia communities

Jenn Pocock
Center for the Arts and cherry blossom trees reflect in the Mason pond on the Fairfax Campus.

George Mason University authorized to host State Climate Office

Flooding in Old Town Alexandria

IN THE MEDIA: Virginia Creates State Climate Office at George Mason University's College of Science

Upcoming Events

More Events
Aug11

Summer Knowledge Share Series: Coaching Your Team – Accountability, Well-Being, and Communication

Aug 11, 2026, 12:00 - 1:00 PM

Virtual via MasonLeaps

University Business Consulting hosts an annual Knowledge Share Series each summer, which typically consists of two to three sessions which are open to all George Mason faculty and staff. Registration is available in MasonLEAPS. All sessions are offered in-person and via Zoom. Upcoming Sessions The summer 2026 series, Winning this
Oct19

Study Leave Deadlines: Term and Instructional Faculty

Oct 19, 2026, 8:30 AM - 11:45 PM

Study Leave for Tenured Instructional Faculty Study Leave for Tenured Instructional Faculty, funded by the Provost, is intended to provide paid temporary leave for the support of advancing scholarly research, teaching, and/or creative activity, including the development of innovative teaching approaches and methods. The college encourages its full-time, tenured faculty
Nov7

Mid-Atlantic Severe Weather Conference

Nov 7, 2026, 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM

HUB Ballroom, Fairfax Campus

The Mid-Atlantic Severe Weather Conference to bring together forecasters, chasers, spotters, emergency managers, and researchers while helping people in the Mid-Atlantic better understand and stay aware of severe weather. This event is presented by the George Mason Weather Club, with support from the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Sciences
Tickets

Graduate Symposium

The 2026 Earth System Observations and Modeling Graduate Symposium was a great success. 

Stay tuned for more information and the abstract submission deadline for the 2027 symposium!

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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

  • J. Shukla 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. 

6

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.