News

Since 1994, the Waterloo Wellington Children’s Groundwater Festival has been a cornerstone of environmental education in the region. Founded by Earth and Environmental Sciences alumnus Peter Grey, this annual event draws approximately 6,000 elementary students each year, fostering a deep understanding of water resources among young learners. 

Scientists from the University of Waterloo have developed a map showing which regions and population centres of Western Canada are likely to experience earthquakes induced by underground energy extraction.

We are pleased to announce that Keith Delaney is one of this year’s Faculty of Science Excellence in Science Teaching Award recipients!

A study of more than 2,000 streams around North America found that those altered by human activity are at greater risk of flooding.

The study from the University of Waterloo analyzed the seasonal flow patterns of 2,272 streams in Canada and the U.S. and found that human-managed streams – those impacted by developments like dams, canals, or heavy urbanization – had significantly different flow patterns compared to streams in natural watersheds.

Nitrogen fertilizers are critical for growing crops to feed the world, yet when applied in excess can pollute our water for decades. A new study provides six steps to address nitrogen pollution and improve water quality.

Past and present members of the Faculty of Science community are saddened by the news that William David Taylor passed away on January 24, 2022.

Southern Ontario wetlands provide $4.2 billion worth of sediment filtration and phosphorus removal services each year, keeping our drinking water sources clean and helping to mitigate harmful and nuisance algal blooms in our lakes and rivers.

A new study from the University of Waterloo uses economic valuation to help us understand the importance of Southern Ontario’s wetlands for water filtration – particularly as these sensitive ecosystems continue to be lost by conversion to agriculture or urban development.

The Earth Sciences Museum is excited to announce the launch of our newest project, a virtual tour of the museum!

New research will help mining companies better understand the negative societal and environmental impacts of mine-waste disasters, known as tailings flows, and hopefully avoid them.

Researchers created a database as part of a study that presents the first global picture of the occurrence rates, behaviours and physical impacts of tailings flows, which are rapid downstream movements of mine waste following failures of tailings impoundments.

Congratulations to Keith Delaney from the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences for receiving the 2021 Jane Lang Excellence in Earth and Environmental Sciences Teaching Award!

This award acknowledges instructors who demonstrate dedication and enthusiasm for high-quality teaching and inspire undergraduate and graduate students to appreciate and understand the natural world and important aspects of Earth and Environmental Sciences. Delaney is a shining example of these qualities and more!