Biogeochemistry, Paleoceanography, Paleoclimate

Unraveling Earth’s Past to Shape its Future

At Yale, we lead research on the interconnected systems of Earth—biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and climate—spanning from ancient times to today. Our work covers everything from astrobiology to microbiology, helping us understand Earth’s history and its future.

Active lava crater

Biogeochemistry, Paleoceanography, Paleoclimate

Unlocking Earth’s Past with Cutting-Edge Science

We combine paleontology, chemistry, and biology to explore Earth’s history and its systems:

  • Isotope & Biomarker Analysis: Study ancient oceans, atmospheres, and environments by analyzing biomarkers, microfossils, and chemical compositions.
  • New Temperature Proxies: Develop new methods to track past temperatures and better understand the modern carbon cycle.
  • Paleoclimate Insights: Use isotopes and Earth models to investigate ancient climates, ocean chemistry, and atmospheric oxygen levels.
  • Modern Applications: Link research to today’s environmental challenges by developing climate mitigation strategies and addressing ecosystem changes.

Our work connects the past with the present to address key questions about Earth’s systems, from early Earth to today.

Geochemistry Center

Learn about our research center and facilities.

Learn More about the Center

Geochronology lab

Rooney Geochronology and Geochemistry Group

Learn About our Group Research

Research Faculty

  • Earth & Planetary Sciences

    Ruth E. Blake

    Professor of Earth & Planetary Sciences
    Email
    +1(203) 432-3191
    Ruth Blake
  • Earth & Planetary Sciences

    Derek Briggs

    G. Evelyn Hutchinson Professor of Earth & Planetary Sciences
    Curator, Yale Peabody Museum
    Email
    +1(203) 432-8590
    Derek Briggs
  • Earth & Planetary Sciences

    David Evans

    Professor of Earth & Planetary Sciences
    Email
    +1(203) 640-5726
    david Evans
  • Earth & Planetary Sciences

    Pincelli Hull

    DUS, Associate Professor of Earth & Planetary Sciences
    Associate Curator of Invertebrate Paleontology, Yale Peabody Museum; Director of Undergraduate Studies
    Email
    +1(203) 432-5006
    hull
  • Earth & Planetary Sciences

    Noah Planavsky

    Professor of Earth & Planetary Sciences
    Email
    +1(203) 432-9043
    PLANAVSKY
  • Earth & Planetary Sciences

    Alan Rooney

    Assistant Professor of Earth & Planetary Sciences
    Email
    +1 (203) 432-3761
    ROONEY
  • Earth & Planetary Sciences

    Lidya Tarhan

    Assistant Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences
    Assistant Curator of Invertebrate Paleontology, Yale Peabody Museum
    Email
    +1(203) 432-8078
    tarhan
  • Earth & Planetary Sciences

    Jordan Wostbrock

    Assistant Professor of Earth & Planetary Sciences
    Email
    wostbrock