Centre for Research in Earth Sciences (CRES)
investigating geological processes from plate tectonics to modern surface processes to the evolution of life on Earth
Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat. Photo courtesy: Paul Cole
Welcome
The Centre for Research in Earth Sciences (CRES) at the University of Plymouth embraces the broad spectrum of research across Earth Sciences, from plate tectonics to climate change, to modern surface processes, to the evolution of life on Earth. Across this breadth, our expert researchers shared ethos is to understand the drivers of change in the Earth system and the impact of these changes on the Earth and to society. CRES provides an inclusive environment that promotes high quality, novel and interdisciplinary research, alongside a platform for training the next generation of Earth Scientists.
Our staff are at the cutting edge of research, demonstrated by our performance in the most recent national assessment of UK research (REF2014) where we ranked 10th on research power, and our world-class analytical facilities that underpin both our research and teaching. Internationally, our staff are recognised for their research, and also for their contribution to major Earth Science initiatives including the International Ocean Discovery Program and the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program.
Dr Michelle Harris
Lead of the Centre for Research in Earth Sciences
Dr Michelle Harris
Lead of the Centre for Research in Earth Sciences
Centre for Research in Earth Sciences themes
Earth science events
- Magnetic Interactions 2025 9 January 2025 - 10 January 2025
Our research, staff and facilities
Earth science in the news
- Giant volcanic eruptions affected Earth’s climate but were not responsible for dinosaur extinction, study suggests 19 December 2024
- Scientists embark on first study of Antarctica’s underwater avalanches 3 December 2024
- University benefits from major investment in next generation of scientists 15 November 2024
- University takes the helm of global scientific drilling research programme 1 October 2024
- £1m project aims to forecast long-term effects of debris transported by natural disasters 26 September 2024
- Rocks that originated in Earth’s mantle could reveal secrets of planet’s history 8 August 2024
- Project aims to enhance the potential to forecast landslides 8 February 2024
- 5G interactive microscope labs enable students to get up close with science 21 December 2023
Highlights
There is no vaccine for natural hazards
G7: Examining the evidence
Generating a new approach to calculating earthquake hazard
Academic spotlight: Dr Zoë Mildon, Lecturer in Earth Sciences
Postgraduate research students
An essential component of our school research environment
Our research students work on a range of funded projects across all disciplines associated with the school.
Girls into Geoscience
Established in 2014, this fantastic outreach initiative that was awarded the Geological Society of London’s R H Worth Award, aims to show girls exactly where geoscience can take them. Lilli Day, who attended in 2015 has since graduated with a degree in geology, explains how she became interested in geoscience.
