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Atmospheric science

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

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Upcoming Events

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Jan 22

22 Jan (GEOL) Anya Hess, Paleoceanography

Jan 22, 2026, 4:30 - 5:30 PM

Speaker: Anya Hess, George Mason University Time: Thu, 22 Jan, 4:30pm ET Location: Exploratory 1309 and via Zoom (for link, email lhinnov@gmu.edu) Title: Ocean Oxygenation Response to Climate Change: Lessons from Past Warm Periods Abstract: In recent decades, the oceans have lost oxygen at an alarming rate, yet climate model
Jan 23

Advancing teaching and learning in the age of generative AI

Jan 23, 2026, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

McIntire School of Commerce, UVA and Virtual

Join educators from across Virginia for a day-long symposium on advancing teaching and learning in the age of generative AI. Through a keynote, interactive sessions, and research presentations, participants will explore emerging research, develop practical strategies for navigating GenAI in their teaching, and consider when and how GenAI can meaningfully
Jan 29

29 Jan (GEOL) Jood Al Aswad, Paleobiology

Jan 29, 2026, 4:30 - 5:30 PM

Speaker: Jood Al Aswad, Virginia Tech Bio: Coming soon Title: Coming soon Time: Thu, 29 Jan, 4:30pm ET Location: Exploratory 1309 and via Zoom (for link, email lhinnov@gmu.edu) Host: Linda Hinnov

Graduate Symposium

2026 Earth System Observations and Modeling Graduate Symposium, April 10th. 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.

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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
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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.