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Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

Research

Researchers in the Department of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences seek answers that enhance our understanding of planet Earth.

Science-Based Solutions

The MEAS department at NC State is one of the nation’s most comprehensively integrated geosciences programs, focusing on the “core-to-sky” dynamics of the Earth system.

Through integration of high-resolution numerical modeling, remote sensing, and extensive field observations ranging from the Arctic cryosphere to tropical marine ecosystems, the department provides science-based solutions for sustainable land use, clean water access, and resilient communities across North Carolina and beyond.

Recent Research

Our award-winning faculty and students publish their work in the field's top scientific journals.

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Research News

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Two-panel illustration of the the carbon source and weather (C-SAW) concepts. Left panel shows a blue sky with the sun out, plus trees and a green field with a river running through it. This panel represents dry conditions when a coastal river is not connected to its adjacent wetlands. The right panel shows the same image, but with a cloudy sky, muddier bank, and what looks like more mud flowing into the water. This represents wet periods, when extreme rainfall floods adjacent wetlands, hydrologically connecting them to the river and leading to enhanced export of color, DOM, and nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients (N + P). In dry conditions, the illustration shows phytoplankton and as light green rods and dots that are higher upstream. In wet conditions, these rods and dots are farther downstream.

October 12, 2026

Taking a Ride on the C-SAW

Professor Chris Osburn breaks down new research about colored dissolved organic matter and how its quality varies after storm events.
Blue, pink, and orange sunset with pier

September 30, 2026

Could a Blue Economy be Carteret County’s Future?

Blue Economy Innovation Director Chris Osburn explores challenges, opportunities and adaptation strategies for Carteret County residents looking to sustain their relationship with water in the face of an uncertain future.
A lava flow creeps through the Iceland landscape

August 19, 2026

Setting the Record Straight on Volcanoes 

An NC State expert and international team of scientists dispel the most common — and most dangerous — volcano misconceptions

Interdisciplinary Research

Departmental research is fundamentally interdisciplinary, bridging the gaps between the solid earth, the coastal and global oceans, and the atmosphere. Currently, the department’s strategic focus aims to address grand challenges related to climate change adaptation, natural hazard mitigation (including hurricanes, sea-level rise, wildfires and volcanoes) and the Blue Economy.

The department is organized into three primary disciplinary pillars, each containing specialized laboratories and faculty portfolios. Click on each focus area to learn more about research and projects, as well as faculty working in those areas.

Students from the 2023 Bonaire study abroad program swim by coral reefs on a scuba diving excursion off the coast of the Caribbean island.

Marine Science

The oceanography group in MEAS focuses on the biological, chemical, and physical properties of coastal and open-ocean environments.

Marine Focus areas

Up-close image of a lava flow in Iceland

Earth Science

This group focuses on understanding the structure, history, and surface processes of the solid Earth, and on quantifying interactions among the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. Faculty pursue integrative research spanning field observations, laboratory experiments, geochemical analyses, numerical modeling, and advanced geospatial visualization.

earth Focus areas

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

Atmospheric Science

This group focuses on weather extremes, air quality, atmospheric chemistry, climate processes and dynamics, and the physical processes of the atmosphere. Researchers use in-situ and remotely sensed observations, laboratory methods, advanced numerical modeling, and AI/ML methods to develop a holistic understanding of atmospheric processes and their geophysical interactions across the Earth system.

ATMOSPHERIC Focus areas

Glacier at Glacier Bay, Alaska

Interdisciplinary and Integrated Research

Through over four decades as a combined, multidisciplinary unit, MEAS has developed core research areas that connect across disciplines and scales.

interdisciplinary Focus areas

A map of the world with about 90 red dots across more than 40 countries indicated locations where MEAS has a global collaboration

Global Collaborations

Explore MEAS’ connections with more than 80 institutions spanning more than 40 countries

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Lewis Owen does work in a lab

Service Centers

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Darian Ng stands on the side of a weather station, giving a thumbs up to the camera

Research Labs

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Faculty member Tal Ben-Horin and graduate student Zakir Bulmer prepare their gear for a scuba diving excursion

Related Centers and Partnerships

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