Advancing Earth system science
We specialize in the understanding the dynamic evolution of Earth's surface over various timescales. Our expertise includes ecology, geomorphology, glaciology, hydrology, geophysics, sedimentology, stratigraphy, petrology, and geochemistry. Applications of our research include geohazards and coastal erosion, sustainable water systems, prospecting for mineral deposits, and understanding the interactions between biological, chemical, and physical processes at the Earth's surface. We are a world-class research team with strong international collaborations and global research profiles that address the current and future challenges of responsibly using Earth's natural resources.
World-class research
Work with leaders in the field and conduct research in our state-of-the-art facilities. What could you do at Waterloo?
The Coastal Research Group is focused on sediment transport and nearshore morphodynamics, especially beach-dune interaction and barrier island response to sea level rise. We also conduct research on the physical and social dimensions of the rip current hazard, with field sites along the Great Lakes and in the Maritimes of Canada as well as Costa Rica.
The Ecohydrology Research Group (ERG) carries out research in support of the wise use of water resources, balancing society’s water needs with those of natural ecosystems. It helps deepen our understanding of the connections between the evolving societal and environmental drivers of water quality and the resulting impacts on ecosystem services and environmental health.
Research in 60
Take a minute to learn more about what our researchers are up to.
Meet our researchers
Chris Houser, Professor
Dean, Faculty of Science
Dr. Chris Houser is a coastal and aeolian geomorphologist. His research focuses on the response and recovery of coastal barriers to extreme storms, coastal erosion in the Great Lakes, the physical and social dimensions of beach safety, and the use of analytical reasoning, semantic modelling, and graph theory for landscape interpretation. His Coastal Research Group also manages the COASTIE citizen science science program in partnership with Parks Canada to monitor shoreline change in park managed areas across Canada.
Brian Kendall, Professor
Interim Chair, Earth and Environmental Sciences
Canada Research Chair in Redox-Sensitive Metal Isotope Geochemistry
Dr. Brian Kendall uses geochemistry to develop innovative geochemical methods that can serve as process tracers for petroleum systems, ore mineralization, and biogeochemical cycles; learn more about how mineral and petroleum deposits form and improve exploration strategies for these important resources; reconstruct the history of atmosphere and ocean oxygenation through time and its relationship to biological evolution, seawater chemistry and natural resource deposits.
Martin Ross, Associate Professor
Dr. Martin Ross aims to understand the Earth’s recent past; more specifically, the glaciations of the Quaternary Period, which encompasses the last 2.6 million years of Earth’s history. Reconstructing past glaciations helps scientists better understand how glaciers have modified the surface of the Earth and its shallow subsurface. This knowledge can be applied to a wide range of problems including mineral exploration under glacial sediment cover, natural hazards, and water resources in glaciated watersheds.
Colby Steelman, Assistant Professor
Dr. Colby Steelman focuses on groundwater flow systems, specifically the hydrogeophysical characterization and monitoring of groundwater process dynamics and their importance in regional flow systems. He explores surface and airborne geophysical techniques that support regional-scale groundwater resource characterizations, and how these styles of data can be integrated into conventional groundwater monitoring strategies; assesses impacts of legacy oil and gas wells; and examines geologic and hydrogeologic controls on permafrost distribution.
Philippe Van Cappellen, Professor
Canada Excellence Research Chair Laureate in Ecohydrology
Dr. Philippe Van Cappellen leads an interdisciplinary research team focusing on the biogeochemical processes that control water quality, ecosystem functions and environmental change, from local to global scales. His research portfolio includes soils, rivers, lakes, aquifers, coastal ecosystems, and urban water systems.
Chris Yakymchuk, Associate Professor
Dr. Chris Yakymchuk studies how mountain chains form through the process of plate tectonics. His research features thermodynamic modelling that highlight processes operating at the micro scale, such as melting. These processes can have a major impact on large scale tectonics in the continental crust.
Want to study or partner with us?
Helping to shape and encourage the next generations of scientists is at the core of what we do. Prospective graduate students interested in studying with one of our faculty are welcome to reach out to them directly. You can also check out current student research opportunities in Earth.
Research is made better through strong collaboration. If you’re an industry leader looking to partner with us, we would love to hear from you.