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Atmospheric science
George Mason University

J. Shukla Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Sciences

In This Department

Join us in working to better understand our planet.

From simulating atmospheric temperature to explaining geological layers to tracing ocean circulation, the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences gives students new tools to explore our planet. You will benefit from the wide range of faculty expertise across undergraduate and graduate programs in AOES.

Support our department

Help us educate students and study the Earth with a gift to the department as a whole or to specific AOES programs.

 

J. Shukla Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Sciences News & Events

Latest News

More news
The Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine

Faculty invited to Research-to-Impact Partnerships Workshop

Smoke in NYC caused by Canadian Fires

IN THE MEDIA: Why wildfire smoke still catches cities off guard

Bloomberg: By Summer Maxwell
Professor Luis Ortiz with his Micrometeorological Modeling class. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

This course turns climate science into real-world impact for Virginia communities

Jenn Pocock
Center for the Arts and cherry blossom trees reflect in the Mason pond on the Fairfax Campus.

George Mason University authorized to host State Climate Office

Upcoming Events

More Events
Sep15

Grand Challenge Exchange Day

Sep 15, 2026, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

HUB Ballroom

Event Overview Join George Mason University for the inaugural Grand Challenge Exchange Day, a special event highlighting the seven catalyst projects advancing Mason's Grand Challenge Initiative, the university-wide effort to accelerate interdisciplinary research and deliver meaningful societal impact. This milestone event will bring together faculty, researchers, and the broader research
Sep15

Application deadline: Research-to-Impact Partnerships Workshop

Sep 15, 2026, 5:00 PM

George Mason University faculty are invited to apply for the Research-to-Impact Partnerships Workshop: Translating Grand Challenge Research into Real-World Impact, a two-day interactive program offered by the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact. The workshop is designed to help faculty build and sustain the partnerships needed to translate research
Sep26

College of Science and Visiting Filmmakers Series present Cosmic Dawn

Sep 26, 2026, 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Johnson Center Cinema

The College of Science and Visiting Filmmakers Series present a screening of Cosmic Dawn: The Untold Story of the James Webb Telescope. Cosmic Dawn (James Tralie 2025) tells the story of the James Webb Telescope’s delicate assembly, rigorous testing, and triumphant launch. Showcasing the remarkable complexity of creating an instrument

Graduate Symposium

The 2026 Earth System Observations and Modeling Graduate Symposium was a great success. 

Stay tuned for more information and the abstract submission deadline for the 2027 symposium!

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A research powerhouse pushing boundaries of climate dynamics and prediction

Students learn the fundamentals of weather and atmospheric dynamics, participate in the research leadership of AOES in climate modeling, and benefit from the many facilities conducting atmosphere-related research and operations in the Washington, D.C. area.

Cloud Cover

Visit Us On Campus

Contact our program coordinators or main office to learn more about the department or schedule a visit.

Fairfax Campus, Exploratory Hall 3451 and Research Hall 109 
4400 University Drive, MSN 5F2, Fairfax, VA 22030  
Phone: 703-993-5394

  • J. Shukla Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Earth Sciences
  • Campus Map
Exploratory Hall at George Mason University Fairfax Campus

Why AOES at Mason?

Over 80,000

Approximate number of times AOES faculty articles were cited in the scientific literature.

20

Average class lab size. 

6

Number of degree programs offered by the department to undergraduate and graduate students.

* The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.