marine earth and atmospheric sciences

Jenna Holt holds up a rock in the geology lab at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

Jun 1, 2026

Discover Our Majors: Geology

There's a whole world out there, and a geology degree can help you explore it. Follow Jenna Holt's geology journey — and start your own.

An aerial photo shows a hurricane forming on one of Earth's oceans

Apr 22, 2026

2026 Hurricane Season Could See 12 to 15 Named Storms; 6 to 9 Hurricanes

For the second year running, researchers predict a hurricane season in line with recent averages.

an orange snow shovel cuts through a pile of snow

Nov 12, 2025

Hourly Weather Data Reveals Climate Trends in U.S.

Over the past forty years, parts of the northeast have lost almost 1 1/2 weeks of temperatures below freezing, while portions of some states in the Gulf and Southwest have gained almost 1 1/2 weeks of temperatures that cause heat stress.

An image of digital renderings of tiny fossils, ranging from black and white to a prism of colors.

Oct 23, 2025

Tiny Fossils, Big Tech

At NC State University, a team of researchers is using cutting-edge 3D modeling and artificial intelligence to solve a tricky problem: sorting microscopic fossils no bigger than a grain of sand.

Oct 21, 2025

Increasing Heat is Super-Charging Arctic Climate and Weather Extremes

A “pushing and triggering” mechanism has has driven the Arctic climate system to a new state, which will likely see consistently increased frequency and intensity of extreme events across the atmosphere, ocean and cryosphere this century.

Sep 24, 2025

Study Challenges Theory Behind N.C. Blue Crab Decline

There are plenty of juvenile blue crabs in Pamlico Sound, so where are the adults?

Jun 19, 2025

Climate Change-Driven Fires Could Double Soluble Iron in Northern Oceans

Increasing wildfires in the Northern Hemisphere are projected to almost double the amount of nutrients such as iron in the atmosphere - with effects on CO2 storage and ocean productivity.

Satellite image of the eye of a hurricane

Apr 15, 2025

Experts Predict 12 to 15 Named Storms This Hurricane Season

Expect an average hurricane season this year, according to NC State experts.

Campus gateway sign reading NC State University

Feb 18, 2025

Catherine Davis Named Sloan Research Fellow

Davis’ work focuses on the long-term effects of global climate on oceanographic environments.

Jan 8, 2025

Scorching Climate Drove Lampreys Apart During Cretaceous Period

One of the hottest periods in Earth’s history may have driven lampreys apart – genetically speaking.

Oct 28, 2024

When is a Heat Wave Just a Heat Wave, and When is it Climate Change?

A 2023 heat wave helped establish processes that tease out whether particular weather events are climate related.

Oct 10, 2024

It Could Take Over 40 Years for PFAS to Leave Groundwater

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals, known commonly as PFAS, could take over 40 years to flush out of contaminated groundwater in North Carolina’s Cumberland and Bladen counties.

Sep 24, 2024

Atmospheric Methane Increase During Pandemic Due Primarily to Wetland Flooding

Flooded wetlands, not decreased pollution, were key drivers of atmospheric methane increases during the pandemic.

Aug 13, 2024

Three Actions and a Tool to Cut Methane Emissions and Slow Global Warming

Researchers examine rising methane levels and create a tool to help countries find cost-effective ways to reduce methane.

Jul 10, 2024

Fires and Climate are Changing. Science Needs to Change too.

Fire scientists are working on ways to best address the challenges of wildfire and climate.