USI Geology, Physics, and Environmental Science

12/10/2025

We’re bringing the Pott College community together in one place! To make sure you don’t miss out on stories, events, and opportunities across all our programs, follow us USI Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education

04/07/2025

Come explore with us at our summer mini-camp!

02/21/2025

USI Geology, Physics, and Environmental Science Alumni,
Did you enjoy your time at USI as much as we enjoyed teaching you?
We want to hear from you!
Please take a moment to fill out the testimonial form linked below, and we may highlight you on social media or in other communications. Please do this even if you already gave us quotes in the past as we would like to update our information or maybe you have new insights about your time here at USI.
Know any fellow alumni that are not on social media? Please share this link with them as well!

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08/06/2023

Check out these cool posters from the Ohio Geological Survey!

Today is . Ohio would have been a notable snorkel destination some 400 million years ago.

Have you ever wanted to visit ancient Ohio? Well now you can! We are OVERJOYED to announce the Life In Ancient Ohio poster series.

These incredible art pieces crafted by paleoartist Kyle Hartshorn will take you back in time to Ohio’s 7 geological time periods (Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian, Mississippian, Pennsylvanian, Permian, and Pleistocene.)

Currently, the first three posters are available at this year’s Ohio State Fair in the State Park Gift Shop within the Natural Resources Park. Be sure to stay tuned for the remaining releases!
Ohio Department of Natural Resources

01/11/2023

Check it out! The Indiana Geological and Water Survey has a new calendar highlighting the newly designated State Fossil of Indiana, the Mastodon. Download your digital copy here:

2023 IGWS calendar Article Sidebar PDF Published: Jan 3, 2023 DOI: https://doi.org/10.14434/ijes.v5i1.35576 Keywords: mastodon ice age state fossil Main Article Content Sara Clifford Indiana University - Indiana Geological and Water Survey Polly Sturgeon Indiana Geological and Water Survey Casey Jon...

07/08/2022

Did you know that the mastodon became the official state fossil of Indiana on July 1st? Here is an interesting story about a mastodon provided by NPR.

A mastodon named Fred, also known as the Buesching mastodon, is a distant relative of the modern elephant. His remains reveal the story of his life and violent end.

07/08/2022

Check out this article that explores bombardment and coalescence in the early developmental stage of our Solar System about 4.4 billion years ago.

Around 4.4 billion years ago, the early solar system resembled a game of space rock dodgeball, as massive asteroids and comets, and, later, smaller rocks and galactic debris pummeled the moon and other infant terrestrial bodies. This period ended around 3.8 billion years ago. On the moon, this tumul...

03/17/2022

Check it out, another full-time position is available.....

Geologist, Division of Reclamation
The Geologist provides information information and technical expertise in geology, hydro-geology, and hydrology. The Geologist works in the Technical Services Section of the Division of Reclamation, Department of Natural Resources and reports to the Assistant Director of Technical Services. This position is located in the Jasonville Field Office.

Link for job posting
https://workforindiana.in.gov/job/Jasonville-Geologist%2C-Div-of-Reclamation-IN-47438/852650000/

Typical salary
starts at $47,476 annually

03/16/2022

Congratulations to Morgan Schitter, the 2022 Department of Geology & Physics Distinguished Graduate (Environmental Science & Geology). Learn more about Morgan's experience and other distinguished graduates in the Pott College at:
https://www.usi.edu/science/student-resources/pott-college-student-campus-community/award-recipients/distinguished-graduates/

02/08/2022

Those with GIS experience, check out these positions with the Indiana Geological and Water Survey!

Find your place at Indiana University. Explore faculty and staff positions on our seven campuses for a healthy, enriching, and balanced work life.

12/08/2021

Seismic events along a transform fault separating the Juan da Fuca and Pacific plates. These seismic events are not an indication of a major earthquake along the subduction zone, but instead are accommodating movement along a fracture zone associated with an offset spreading center. Tectonics in action!

A swarm of earthquakes led some people to worry that the seismic activity might portend The Big One. But seismologists say that given the location of the quakes, there was no cause for alarm.

10/13/2021

Happy Earth Science Week! Please check out the Proclamation from Governor Eric Holcomb officially recognizing Earth Sciences and Geology in Indiana. The work of geoscientists is vital to the pursuit of happiness in Indiana, across the country, and around the world.