We study extreme weather, climate change, and their impacts on both ecosystems and modern society.
Atmospheric Sciences
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
Mars sand ridge preserves record of powerful ancient winds
03-02-2026
A 6.5-foot-high sand ridge on Mars has emerged as one of the clearest signs that powerful, steady winds once shaped the planet’s surface for long stretches of time. EAPS PhD student Noah Martin documented how the crest lines trace a prolonged north-south airflow across the region.
Science and innovation shine at Homecroft Elementary, cultivating curiosity in science
02-27-2026
WRTV — Science was on display this week at Perry Township's Homecroft Elementary. Students in second through fifth grade participated in the Science Fair and Invention Convention. EAPS's Robin Tanamachi was quoted in the article.
Purdue named a top producer of Fulbright scholars for fifth straight year
02-24-2026
For the fifth year in a row, Purdue University has secured a spot on the list of top-producing institutions of Fulbright U.S. scholars, reinforcing the university’s role as a global leader in research and scholarly excellence. EAPS Professor Qianlai Zhuang earned a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award for 2025-26.
Atmospheric pollution caused by space junk could be a huge problem
02-20-2026
NewScientist — After a Falcon 9 rocket stage burned up in the atmosphere, vaporised lithium and other metals drifted over Europe. This growing type of pollution could destroy ozone and form climate-warming clouds. EAPS's Dan Cziczo was quoted in the article.
As Earth slowed its spin, oceans may have tipped the balance for life
02-16-2026
Earth has not always rotated at the same speed it does today. Over the roughly 4 billion years that life has existed on the planet, Earth's rotation has gradually slowed, lengthening days and quietly reshaping the oceans. New research from Purdue University suggests that this planetary slowdown may have played an important role in making Earth's oceans more hospitable for life