NC State MEAS

NC State MEAS The MEAS Dept. at N.C. State University is one of the largest interdisciplinary geoscience departments in the nation.

MEAS offers graduate & undergraduate degrees in Atmospheric Science/Meteorology, Geology & Marine Science. The Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences (MEAS) at North Carolina State University is one of the largest interdisciplinary geoscience departments in the nation. MEAS offers graduate and undergraduate degrees in Atmospheric Science/Meteorology, Geology, and Marine Science.

Another look at the marine science summer field course, this time in Emerald Isle! 🏖️
05/29/2026

Another look at the marine science summer field course, this time in Emerald Isle! 🏖️

And just like that, our geology students have completed their first week of field camp out west! 🪨🔨 In this first pictur...
05/22/2026

And just like that, our geology students have completed their first week of field camp out west! 🪨🔨 In this first picture, they're at an elevation of more than 6,000 feet above sea level!

Every year after spring semester, rising geology seniors and soon-to-be graduates head out to New Mexico to explore the rich geology of the region. This field camp is a defining experience for our geology grads, allowing them to put their classroom knowledge to the test and see some amazing landscapes.

Over the course of a month, students learn how to create and interpret geologic maps. Geologic maps, a cornerstone of the science, provide crucial information about what lies beneath our feet, which can aid developers, environmentalists, policy makers and more.

Wishing our geology students all the Liquid IV and peanut butter honey sandwiches they could ask for as they head into this next week of camp 😎 rock on, and go pack!

Aaaaand they're off! Wishing our marine students all the best as they set out for their summer field course 🌊Today marke...
05/20/2026

Aaaaand they're off! Wishing our marine students all the best as they set out for their summer field course 🌊

Today marked the first day of the three-week marine science summer course, Field Investigation of Coastal Processes. Here's what Professor Paul Liu shared about the first day so far:

"We began our journey at the memorial site commemorating the Wright brothers’ historic first powered flight in 1903 — a milestone that forever changed human history and demonstrated the power of innovation, courage and perseverance.

It was an inspiring start to our field experience. One message from the exhibits especially resonated with me:

“Transform the impossible into possible.”

And another:

“There’s more to life than being a passenger.”

A reminder that the most meaningful journeys come from exploration, curiosity and the willingness to push beyond limits.

Looking forward to the learning, discoveries and experiences ahead with our students!"

A heartfelt congratulations to the class of 2026 🫶
05/11/2026

A heartfelt congratulations to the class of 2026 🫶

05/08/2026

Check out this timelapse of a lava flow that Assistant Professor Arianna Soldati took while doing fieldwork in Iceland 🌋

During that time, she became increasingly interested in how people living near volcanoes manage to safeguard life and property. That led her to develop new learning materials about lava flows with renowned nonprofit, TED! In a video that Soldati wrote, she lays out some of the peculiar history and science of lava flows. Check it out at https://meas.sciences.ncsu.edu/2026/05/07/nc-state-volcano-scientist-ted-nonprofit-lava-flows-volcanology-arianna-soldati/!

As part of her research, graduate student Sydney Morgan recently attended the biggest beauty trade show in the world! Sy...
05/06/2026

As part of her research, graduate student Sydney Morgan recently attended the biggest beauty trade show in the world!

Sydney is a graduate student in our one-year master’s program, Climate Change & Society at NC State, which requires students to complete a hands-on project called the Applied Climate Experience (ACE).

For her ACE project, Sydney is working to evaluate sustainable cosmetic packaging through a climate lens. Alongside Julie Hafer of the Raleigh-based brand Beauty Ethics, Sydney is focusing specifically on recyclability, circularity and refill systems.

The pair had the pleasure of attending Cosmoprof Bologna this March, the biggest beauty trade show in the world. There, Sydney analyzed packaging solutions with attention to how material choices influence lifecycle emissions and waste outcomes.

They will also be attending the LUXE Pack New York trade show this month to continue their work and further explore innovations in sustainable beauty packaging!

In early April, a large group of MEAS students enjoyed a trip to beautiful Butner, NC, where they explored a quarry!The ...
05/04/2026

In early April, a large group of MEAS students enjoyed a trip to beautiful Butner, NC, where they explored a quarry!

The Butner Quarry features a 750-foot-thick diabase sill. Diabase is an igneous rock that can be used for construction, concrete and asphalt, according to Sunrock, which runs the quarry. The rock can also be used as railroad ballast to keep tracks stable. The diabase at the quarry intruded long ago into older sedimentary rocks when Pangea’s North American and African tectonic plates rifted apart more than 200 million years ago, forming the modern Atlantic Ocean.

Our undergraduate and grad students explored the guts of the diabase sill and learned about fracture mechanics, aspects of engineering geology, groundwater in fractured rock aquifers and the economics of industrial mining. They ended the day with a nice group pizza dinner at an NC State staple, Amedeo's Italian Restaurant

This trip was made possible by the Ronald V. Fodor Endowment, which supports geoscience research, travel and field-based experiences in MEAS. Late geologist Ron Fodor taught at NC State for 41 years and was a strong proponent of field-based education and research. Through this endowment, he continues to leave a mark on generations of NC State students!

Great work was on display at yesterday's Graduate Student Research Symposium! Well done, Natalie and Kendall 👏Natalie Da...
04/09/2026

Great work was on display at yesterday's Graduate Student Research Symposium! Well done, Natalie and Kendall 👏

Natalie Davis, a student in Professor Jay Levine's lab, presented a poster titled, "Evaluating Freshwater Mussel Responses to Algal Food Sources Using Bivalve-Based Living Sensor Systems."

Freshwater mussels help improve water quality and are great indicators of water health. But, they're one of the most imperiled freshwater species on Earth. Davis is studying how their heart rates and behaviors change in response to different diets, which may aid future conservation efforts.

Kendall Godwin, a student in Associate Professor Ryan Paerl's lab, presented a poster titled, "Using Metagenomics to Resolve the Primary and Secondary Metabolic Potential of Cyanobacteria in the Albemarle Sound, North Carolina."

Godwin's work takes a closer look at the Albemarle-Pamlico Estuarine System, the country's largest coastal lagoon system. Cyanobacteria, which influence water quality and sometimes produce harmful toxins, are present throughout this water system, but few studies have been done on their presence in the northernmost portion of the lagoon. Godwin is therefore studying not only what cyanobacteria are present in this region, but what they might be capable of.

02/10/2026

We keep growing!

The Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences at Appalachian State University seeks a non-tenure track Lecturer to teach introductory and sophomore level geology and environmental science courses. Teaching duties may include a mix of introductory general education geology courses and sophomore-level “gateway into the GES major” courses depending on qualifications and department needs.

More information about this position can be found at https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/53077

Any questions about this position can be directed to Dr. Scott Marshall ([email protected]), chair of the search committee.

🏆 Professor Emeritus Al Riordan won a big award! 🏆The American Meteorological Society recognized his book, “Keep in a Co...
02/09/2026

🏆 Professor Emeritus Al Riordan won a big award! 🏆

The American Meteorological Society recognized his book, “Keep in a Cool Place,” with the Louis J. Battan Author’s Award for “inspiring readers of all ages to appreciate the complexities of Earth’s natural systems and the dedication of the scientists who uncover their mysteries.” He was recognized onstage for the accomplishment at AMS 2026.

In “Keep in a Cool Place,” Riordan and co-author Simon Cutfield provide a personal view of experiencing ten winter months in one of the strangest places in the world: The Dry Valleys of Antarctica. 🥶

Drawing on diaries and letters, this is a unique first-person account of life at the Vanda Station as five men carry out their daily tasks in an environment that challenges and transforms them: temperatures as low as -57°C, eight months of total isolation, and daunting mechanical and logistical challenges. At least it’s no challenge to follow the instructions on their photographic chemicals – ‘Keep in a cool place.’ Like much of their supplies, this equipment is encased in ice.

Copies of the book can be purchased through Amazon or the Canterbury University Press’ bookstore 📖

Address

2800 Faucette Drive
Raleigh, NC
27695

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Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+19195153711

Website

https://linktr.ee/ncstatemeas

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