Before the evolutionary advent of mouths and digestive systems, eating looked incredibly different on Earth. In a study appearing in Geobiology, UC Davis researchers reexamine fossils from half a billion years ago to learn how an enigmatic organism called Dickinsonia fed.
Explore new interpretations of classic land ethics, multiple cases of climate action and land sovereignty and witness how past generations reacted to the changing climate. Scholars from across the College of Letters and Science provide insight into how human action and inaction has influenced the natural environment around us.
The July 29 earthquake on Russia's Kamchatka peninsula was among the most powerful recorded by modern instruments, setting off tsunami warnings around the Pacific rim. John Rundle, Distinguished Professor in the departments of Physics and Astronomy and of Earth and Planetary Sciences at UC Davis, had previously included the Kamchatka region in an analysis of earthquake risk published in 2018.
Some of the rainiest places on Earth could see their annual precipitation nearly halved if climate change continues to alter the way ocean water moves around the globe. In a new study, scientists revealed that even a modest slowdown of a major Atlantic Ocean current could dry out rainforests, threaten vulnerable ecosystems and upend livelihoods across the tropics.
New research from the University of California, Davis, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Texas A&M University reveals that massive emissions, or burps, of carbon dioxide from natural earth systems led to significant decreases in ocean oxygen concentrations some 300 million years ago.
In his new book Mysteries of the National Parks: 35 Stories of Baffling Disappearances, Unexplained Phenomena, and More, UC Davis alum Mike Bezemek probes beneath the stunning beauty of National Park System sites to explore hidden history, infamous crimes, strange discoveries, legendary figures and more.
UC Davis Ph.D. student Claris Sunjo is uncovering solutions to water pollution in Cameroon’s mangrove estuaries through award-winning research. Learn how Sunjo is leading global efforts to improve water quality and climate resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa’s threatened ecosystems.
UC Davis’ Dawn Sumner studies microbes in Antarctic lakes to uncover how early life helped oxygenate Earth, and what it means for life on our planet and beyond.
In its 116th year, Picnic Day is one of UC Davis’ most revered — and most fun! — traditions. From the amazing exhibits and yummy food, to the artistic and scientific demonstrations and everything in-between, here at the College of Letters and Science, we love this annual celebration.
As the inaugural Louise H. Kellogg Endowed Chair in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) at UC Davis, Amanda Thomas will advance scientific excellence in geophysics through visionary leadership at UC Davis and expand the reach of geosciences by teaching and mentoring both undergraduate and graduate students.
