The Department of Environmental Sciences is an academic department offering instruction and conducting research in the areas of ecology, geosciences, hydrology, and atmospheric sciences. This unique juxtaposition of several sciences in one department fosters cooperation and exchange among traditional disciplines that share similar methodological and philosophical approaches. The research endeavors of faculty, researchers, and graduate students, whether disciplinary or interdisciplinary, deal with problems of fundamental scientific interest regarding physical and ecological systems with direct and indirect relevance for society.