The study of Earth Science at Rice is focused on understanding the structure and composition of the solid Earth, and the physical and chemical processes that formed and continue to modify this system over time scales that range from seconds to billions of years. We use a variety of tools to visualize, characterize, and quantify Earth processes and materials, allowing us to see deep within the Earth, to recognize and prepare for hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions, and locate and recover various natural resources, including groundwater, hydrocarbons, and mineral resources.