This month, we highlight some of the great contributions our students and scholars are making to the field of Earth sciences. Find out how important it is for Earth scientists to study more than just Earth, discover what an ancient mass extinction might teach us about how to deal with today’s changing climate, and learn what microbes can teach us about how oil spills affect an ecosystem.

🗓️ Two days from now: Unravel the mystery of Shakespeare’s timeless genius. Delve into his life, works and the cultural echoes that keep his legacy alive. Register today!

Earth scientists sometimes use their knowledge to study other planetary bodies in the solar system.

Why it matters: The expertise of Earth scientists is crucial in space exploration, offering insights into extraterrestrial conditions and aiding in the quest to answer one of humanity’s most profound questions: “Are we alone in the universe?”

W. Bruce Banerdt ’83, who dreamed of becoming an astronaut as a child, studied the Earth as a geological sciences PhD student at USC Dornsife. A fateful summer internship studying the moon kicked off a remarkable career at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

In his words: “The same tools we use to study Earth can be used to study other planets and, similarly, we can use the study of other planets to inform our understanding of Earth,” explains Banerdt.

Maya Yanez, a PhD candidate in Earth sciences, studies Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, one of our solar system’s most Earth-like bodies.

Two USC Dornsife Earth sciences alumni led JPL’s Origins and Habitability Lab, which explored the origin of life on Earth as well as if — and how — life could have started on other worlds.

And NASA funds Professor of Earth Sciences Frank Corsetti’s research into the evolution of life on Earth and the necessary parameters to create and sustain life.

The bottom line: Earth scientists bridge the gap between our planet and the cosmos. Their work, rooted in geological expertise, is crucial in deciphering the mysteries of the solar system and seeking answers to the enduring question of life beyond Earth.

A study about Earth’s fourth mass extinction event by USC Dornsife Earth sciences researchers sheds new light on how to survive a major extinction event fueled by climate change.

What’s new: Their unique “ecospace framework” categorizes animals by their ecological roles and behaviors, such as flying predators or soil-dwelling herbivores.

In his words: “We wanted to understand not just who survived and who didn’t, but how the roles that different species played in the ecosystem changed,” said David Bottjer, professor of Earth sciences, biological sciences and environmental studies at USC Dornsife and a study senior author.

Why it matters: Analyzing how ancient ecosystems recovered from significant loss of biodiversity provides vital information to better address modern climate change challenges.

The mass extinction event that occurred 200 million years ago has been attributed to rapid global warming caused by a significant increase in greenhouse gasses resulting from volcanic activity.

What’s next: Future research will explore how species and ecosystems recovered post-extinction and identify the parallels to current biodiversity loss.

USC Dornsife Earth scientist Roman Barco had a unique opportunity to analyze microbial populations in an area before and after an oil spill, shedding light on how microbes can be used as indicators of an ecosystem’s health.

Why it matters: His research findings provide valuable information for decision-makers working to mitigate the destructive consequences of oil spills.

An oil spill near the wetlands of Huntington Beach in 2021 gave Barco the opportunity to compare environmental conditions with samples he had gathered a year before the spill for earlier research.

A grant provided by USC Sea Grant based at USC Dornsife will allow researchers to continue monitoring the area till 2026.

Bonus: Studying the microbes that survive an oil spill can also help identify those capable of breaking down oil, potentially reducing environmental damage from future spills.

The bottom line: Barco’s research could help experts get a better idea of when an ecosystem has fully recovered from an oil spill and possibly find ways to minimize the damage from future spills.

From Earth Sciences to Plant-Based Meat
Earth sciences alum finds her expertise sought after in the food industry.

What Caused the Last Major Extinction Event
Findings from the La Brea Tar Pits suggest human-caused wildfires and climate changes led to the loss of the area’s large mammals. 

Computer Wizardry Gives Deeper Earthquake Insights
USC Dornsife’s Statewide California Earthquake Center uses high-performance computers to better prepare for severe seismic activity. 

Is your child graduating this May? If so, please remind them to check their USC email for instructions on registering to participate in their USC Dornsife Ceremony. 

A USC Dornsife professor of Earth sciences and mineral curator at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County gives a tour of the stunning gem exhibit and describes Earth sciences career options.

Researchers and students from all over the world visit the La Brea Tar Pits to access its extensive fossil library. The museum, located a few miles from USC’s main campus, is an incredible resource for USC Dornsife students studying Earth sciences.

Scientists have excavated more than 3.5 million fossils at the La Brea Tar Pits. The excavation site director gives viewers a tour of the grounds and explains what makes the tar pits unlike any other site in the world.

Join a free, live Zoom discussion about the legendary playwright William Shakespeare to learn truths and misconceptions, and get your questions answered.

Feb. 29, noon - 1 p.m. PT
Virtual