רקע כללי
This Department, established in 1990, is dedicated to understanding the complex inter-relationships among the major Earth Systems, and between the human need for energy and the consequent impact on the Earth's environment. This requires knowledge of the interdependent components that together constitute the "environment", as well as a commitment to protect this environment by improving the manner in which water, land and energy are utilized by humans.
The Department's research activities have several general areas of activities. One focuses on water and includes hydrology, geochemistry, land-plant-atmosphere interactions and oceanography. A second activity is in the use of stable isotopes for reconstructions of paleoclimatic and of biosphere-atmosphere dynamics, and a third is in the area of atmospheric chemistry and dynamics, and cloud physics. A fourth area of research is in planetary sciences. Research in solar energy is conducted in a dedicated facility, the Solar Tower, on campus. The Department is distinguished by the interactions among scientists from different backgrounds and expertise, which is critical to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the global environment. We also promote international collaboration based on short- and long-term visits for research and training by scientists who complement existing activities in the Department. The interdisciplinary nature of the Department is well reflected in the academic training of the research students. Their backgrounds vary enormously from physics and mathematics through geology to biology. We encourage the participation of students who are interested in not only investigating in depth a specific subject, but who are also interested in a broader, more integrative approach to science.