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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

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Exploratory hall outside

George Mason science graduate programs earn national and regional recognition in U.S. News rankings

Ali Tyler

Ali Tyler named student speaker for George Mason University College of Science Spring Degree Celebration

Mayor Catherine Read

City of Fairfax Mayor, Catherine S. Read, to speak at George Mason University College of Science Spring Degree Celebration

Daisuke Tokuda (left) with Paul Dirmeyer (right).

George Mason University and University of Tokyo Scientists Mine Past Air Temperature Forecasts, Lower Cost With Greater Subseasonal Prediction Accuracy

Tracy Mason

Upcoming Events

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Apr 22

22 Apr (CLIM) Varuolo-Clarke, Western N. American Precip

Apr 22, 2026, 1:30 - 2:30 PM

Arianna Varuolo-Clarke, Dartmouth U Exploring past, present, and future precipitation variability over western North America in the Community Earth System Model Wed, 22 Apr, 1:30pm Innovation Hall 131 and via Zoom (for link, email bklinger@gmu.edu) Host: Tehreem Qureshi My research investigates how well Earth system models capture precipitation variability –
Apr 23

23 Apr (GEOL) Scott Wing, Paleobotany

Apr 23, 2026, 4:30 - 5:30 PM

Speaker: Scott Wing, Smithsonian Institution Bio: Coming soon Title: Coming soon Time: Thu, 23 Apr, 4:30pm EDT Location: Exploratory 1309 and via Zoom (for link, email lhinnov@gmu.edu) Host: Linda Hinnov
Apr 29

29 Apr (CLIM) Cheung, Holocene Hydroclimate

Apr 29, 2026, 1:30 - 2:30 PM

Anson Cheung, U Albany Understanding Holocene hydroclimate change in South America using proxy records and modeling Wed, 29 Apr, 1:30pm Innovation Hall 131 and via Zoom (for link, email bklinger@gmu.edu) Host: Tehreem Qureshi Hydroclimate change in South America significantly affects the global carbon cycle, the rich biodiversity and ecosystems of

Graduate Symposium

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

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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
  • 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.