Geochemistry
The Geosciences department at WMU is host to an energetic and growing program of geochemical research, including low-temperature aqueous geochemistry, biogeochemistry, geomicrobiology, and isotope geoscience. Our department has pioneered an innovative new undergraduate degree program in Geochemistry, the only one of its kind in the nation. Geochemical research activities at WMU are led by several of our faculty, including Dr. Koretsky, Dr. Haas, Dr. Krishnamurthy, Dr. Kehew, and Dr. Cassidy.

Geophysics
Geophysics has a long history at WMU. Past research has been applied to petroleum exploration, to ground water supply and contamination problems, to mapping of the sub-bottom of nearshore Lake Michigan, to developing custom GPR antennae, assisting in the mapping of glacial geology, assisting in archaeological research, and to locating lost and abondoned water and monitor wells. Recent projects by Dr. Sauck have dealt with the geophysical high-conductivity anomalies caused by bacterial degradation of hydrocarbon spills, and also with some water supply problems in the Sinaii of Egypt. Dr. Kominz has focussed on backstripping of deep sedimentary basins around the world, with important ramifications for past sea level changes.

Hydrogeology
Western Michigan University has a long history of applied research in hydrogeology, including producing the Hydrogeologic Atlas of Michigan. Three faculty focus particularly on hydrogeology: Dr. Kehew, Dr. Hampton and Dr. Cassidy.

Geotechnical
The geotechnical courses and facilities provide training and research opportunities in the areas of soil mechanics, hydrogeology, and engineering geology. The faculty members who focus mainly on this area are: Dr. Ronald B. Chase and Dr. Alan E. Kehew.

Remote Sensing, Geoinformatics, and Spatial Data Analysis
The Department of Geosciences at Western Michigan has recently developed a strong research emphasis in the areas of remote sensing, geoinformatics, and spatial data analysis. Research in these fields is led by Drs M. Sultan and D. Barnes, and is being enabled by the acquisition of a state-of-the-art remote sensing facility, and the installation of a real-time receiving station at Western Michigan Department of Geosciences.

Tectonics

Glacial Geomorphology

Earth Sciences Education
Research in Earth Science Education encompasses a broad range of emphases, including: elementary and secondary teacher preparation; professional development for practicing earth science teachers; geoscience course and curriculum design at the K-12, undergraduate and graduate levels; and aspects of learning, cognition, and conceptual change. M.A. and Ph.D. degrees are offered through the Mallinson Institute for Science Education. Faculty: Heather Petcovic (Geosciences), Joseph Stoltman (Geography)

Sedimentary Systems and Basin Analysis
A wide variety of research in sedimentary systems and basin analysis are carried out at WMU primarily by Dr. Barnes, Dr. Kominz, Dr. Grammer, Professor emeritus Dr. Harrison, and Dr. Gillespie. Sedimentology, stratigraphy and quantitative basin modeling are combined to address fundamental and applied questions ranging from the 3-D architecture of hydrocarbon and groundwater reservoirs, to paleoceanography and paleoclimate analysis, to quantitative modeling of basin dynamics and backstripping to interpret sea level change. Much of the work carried out by members of the group relies upon subsurface samples housed in the Michigan Basin Core Research Laboratory on WMU's campus.