Renaming Signals Shift in Cornell’s Earth Sciences Focus
Cornell University has made a notable change in its Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences by renaming one of its undergraduate majors from “earth and atmospheric sciences” to “earth and climate sciences.” This adjustment underscores the increasing significance of climate research and the department’s ongoing development towards a more comprehensive understanding of the planet’s interconnected systems.
Despite the name change, the program will continue to offer concentrations in geological sciences, oceanography, and environmental sciences. According to Natalie Mahowald, chair of the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, the new title more accurately reflects the curriculum and distinguishes it from the separate atmospheric sciences major. “We’ve changed the name for several reasons,” Mahowald stated. “Most importantly, to better reflect the coursework: the major has a climate sciences concentration, not an atmospheric sciences concentration, and we thought the name of the major should reflect that.”
Mahowald emphasized that the distinction is crucial, as atmospheric science is primarily about the atmosphere and weather forecasting, while climate science includes a wider array of disciplines, such as oceanography and the study of glaciers and ice sheets. She noted, “There are a lot of students interested in climate sciences, and we want to make sure they know where they can go to study the physical science of climate change.”
In addition to the name change, the department is updating its curriculum to integrate modern topics such as artificial intelligence while maintaining a strong foundation in traditional earth and climate science subjects. Cornell’s geologists are increasingly focusing on geophysics, geochemistry, and tectonics, examining the forces shaping continents and the processes deep within the Earth.
This change is a continuation of a departmental history that dates back to 1868, with scientific advancements consistently reshaping the university’s approach to teaching earth sciences. Originally part of the College of Arts and Sciences, geology has been a staple of Cornell’s curriculum since its inception. Over time, the department evolved, reflecting developments in fields such as plate tectonics and becoming a leader in continental research through the efforts of faculty like Jack Oliver and Bryan Isacks.
The department has relocated multiple times, finally settling in Snee Hall in 1984, which provided advanced facilities for its growing scientific ambitions. The separate atmospheric sciences program at Cornell also followed its trajectory, initially linked closely to agriculture before expanding into broader climatological studies.
By the late 20th century, the need for a more integrated approach to earth sciences became evident, leading to the creation of interdisciplinary programs that examined the interactions between the atmosphere, oceans, and other Earth systems. This shift culminated in the formation of the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences in the early 2000s, combining geological and atmospheric sciences under one roof.
Today, the department offers undergraduate programs across different colleges at Cornell, maintaining a tradition of adapting to new scientific understandings. Mahowald, whose research spans traditional boundaries, appreciates the new emphasis on climate science’s integrative nature. “I love the elevation of the study of climate science, which by itself is very integrative across the department, including atmospheric, oceanography, and cryosphere scientists,” she said.
Original Story at www.duffield.cornell.edu