Research Areas
Atmospheric Sciences
We study extreme weather, climate change, and their impacts on both ecosystems and modern society.
Environmental Geoscience
We use biology, chemistry, geology, and physics to understand how the Earth System supports such a diversity of life and how human behavior is impacting this system.
Geodata Science Initiative
Data science is the fourth and the newest paradigm of science. In Geodata Science Initiative, we conduct transdisciplinary research, merging or articulating EAPS subject matters with technical areas in data science: statistical and machine learning methods and models, algorithms for the models and methods, and computational environments for data analysis.
Geology and Geophysics
We study the processes that shape our planet, from the building of mountains and oil-bearing sedimentary basins, to the flow of warm rocks and cold glaciers, to the triggering of earthquakes.
Planetary Science
We study the evolution of the solar system and how planets evolve over time due to impacts, tectonics, and atmospheric processes, with an eye to the potential for past and future habitability.
Research News
Severe Weather Warnings Persist After a Deadly Weekend of Tornadoes, Dust Storms and Fires
03-18-2025
Inside Climate News — Severe weather and fire warnings continue after a deadly storm system this weekend unleashed more than 50 tornadoes across the South and Midwest and spawned fierce winds, sparking dust storms, wildfires and destruction. Melissa Widhalm, associate director of the Midwestern Regional Climate Center at Purdue University, emphasized the need for increased investment in storm preparedness and emergency response nationwide.
Tornadoes, climate change and why Dixie is the new Tornado Alley
03-17-2025
SFGATE — Several deadly tornado outbreaks, some with dozens of destructive storms, have swept across the South in recent years. We asked tornado scientist Ernest Agee to explain what causes tornadoes and how the center of U.S. tornado activity has shifted eastward from the traditional Tornado Alley in recent years.
Perseverance rover marks four years on Mars with 500,000th laser shot
03-13-2025
On the fourth anniversary of its landing on Mars, NASA's Perseverance rover marked a significant milestone. It has now fired its 500,000th laser shot using the SuperCam instrument. This accomplishment highlights its longevity and success, developed under the guidance of Purdue University professor Roger Wiens.
Can the Human Body Endure a Voyage to Mars?
03-13-2025
The New Yorker — In the coming years, an unprecedented number of people will leave planet Earth—but it’s becoming increasingly clear that deep space will make us sick. The Purdue Mars Desert Research Station Crews were covered in the article.
Advancing Space Exploration at Purdue: Not Afraid to Go First
03-12-2025
The College of Science in combination with the College of Engineering held the first of many collaborative conventions at Purdue University to help the world boldly explore the vast universe around us. We call "dibs" in being the first to go, and we plan to stay the course. At Purdue, we'd like to play a part in every mission. The Advancing Space Exploration at Purdue convention was set up to help faculty and staff collaborate on our next giant leaps.