Physical Geography

Studies of the physical environment, at all spatial and temporal scales, have always been important. In the context of environmental problems facing humanity in the twenty first century, an appreciation of the earth system, including all its components and their interactions, is even more critical. To understand, mitigate, and / or adapt to any significant environmental problem, from urban pollution to global climate change, an interdisciplinary approach including aspects of physical science working in conjunction with other disciplines is usually essential. Faculty members are conducting research in a diverse array of fields, including climatology, geology, atmospheric sciences, oceanographic sciences, and remote sensing of the earth’s environment. Research projects focus on sub-disciplines such as geochemistry, paleoclimate, land-surface interactions, hydrology, climate change, and cryospheric studies. Students are encouraged to avail themselves of opportunities to work on research projects with CUNY faculty, as well as with experts from other institutions. Many students are currently working in one of our active laboratories, including a geochemistry laboratory, and computer based environmental geosciences laboratory and a climate laboratory. A program exists for students to work as paid interns with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, where they participate in research on problems involving coastal processes. In addition our students have participated in the NOAA-CREST (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Cooperative Remote Sensing Science and Technology Center) program, of which CUNY is one of the lead institutions. NOAA-CREST is a partnership between government, academia, and industry to conduct research consistent with NOAA's missions of environmental assessment, prediction, and stewardship using a variety of modern techniques.