UMD Department of Geological, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences

UMD Geologists Measuring Ground Vibration Near an Elephant Enclosure

A recent study by faculty from the University of Maryland's Department of Geological, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences used seismic monitoring to address a non-traditional challenge (i.e., not earthquakes): investigating ground vibrations around an amusement and safari park in New Jersey. The study explored whether nearby roller coasters impact the acoustic and seismic environment of Joyce, a resident African elephant at the safari park – a critical question given that elephants are highly sensitive to low-frequency vibrations (Poole, 2011).



https://www.geol.umd.edu/news/celebrating-world-elephant-day-august-12-umd-geologists-measuring-ground-vibration-near-an-elephant-enclosure.php

Congratulations to undergraduate major Kamirah Billups who received a CMNS Alumni Network Endowed Undergraduate Award to support her attendance at field camp at Bowling Green State University in Ohio this summer.

Fifteen eager high school students had the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes tour of the Mineral Sciences Department at the National Museum of Natural History. Volcano Camp, run by Prof. Megan Newcombe and her associates, provides the opportunity to learn about volcanoes, an experience that culminates in student presentations about their week-long research experience.

Questions about volcanoes? Ask Geological, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences' Megan Newcombe in today's Reddit Ask-Me-Anything: https://redd.it/1u68jcl

Megan's research combines experimental petrology, numerical modeling, and state-of-the-art geochemical analyses to study volcanoes on the Earth, the Moon and Mars.

Alongside her research, Megan is dedicated to education and outreach, hosting an annual Volcano Camp that brings local high school students into the lab for hands-on science.

We pleased to announce that Professor Sarah Penniston-Dorland has been named Chair of the Department of Geological, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences, effective July 1, 2026.

Sarah has been with the department since joining as a lecturer in 2004 and was promoted to professor in 2020. Between 2017 and 2022 she served as the department's director of graduate studies.

She is taking over from Professor James Farquhar who has served as chair for the past five years, overseeing our 50th anniversary celebration as well as the change to our new name to better reflect the many areas of study by our faculty and students.

You can read the full announcement here: https://cmns.umd.edu/news-events/news/sarah-penniston-dorland-chair-geological-environmental-planetary-sciences

PhD Student Elizabeth Huang recently competed in the final round of the university-wide Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition. Elizabeth was one of only 20 3MT Finalists across every college, representing CMNS with her presentation entitled A Tapestry of Stone.

UMD Graduate School 2026 3MT Competition at the University of Maryland

Maryland Day was a big success this year! Check out the photo album to see the fun the visitors had at our events.

https://cmns.umd.edu/news-events/news/val-finlayson-volcanic-rocks-reveal-earths-earliest-chemical-secrets

Volcanic Rocks Reveal Earth’s Earliest Chemical Secrets | College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences | University of Maryland UMD researchers find evidence that deep pockets of primordial material remained undisturbed within Earth’s mantl