Need Advising?

Students with general queries regarding the Geological Sciences advising & resources can visit the Department of Geological Sciences at Live Oak 1202 or call (818) 677-3541.

Learn More About Advising

Department Chair

Richard Heermance


Live Oak 1202

18111 Nordhoff Street

Northridge, CA 91330-8346

Phone: (818) 677-2052

Send email

Department News

Department of Geological Sciences News

picture of rocks in a valley

CSUN Professors’ Research Rewrites Rocky Mountains’ Origin Story

November 17, 2023

Dr. Elena Miranda and Dr. Joshua Schwartz, professors in the Department of Geological Sciences, were interviewed by the San Fernando Sun about their research into the Laramide orogeny and the formation of the Rocky Mountains.


2023 DSC Excellence Award

Geology Department Technician awarded 2023 DSC Excellence Award by Environmental Health & Safety

October 24, 2023

Congratulations to the Geological Sciences Department Technician, Adam Brackman (MS 2022), for being awarded the 2023 Department Safety Coordinator Excellence Award from Environmental Health & Safety!


Professor Elena Miranda in photo with others

Elena Miranda awarded the 2023 Outstanding Publication Award from the Structural Geology and Tectonics Division of GSA!

October 24, 2023

Congratulations to Elena Miranda for being selected the 2023 Outstanding Publication Award from the Structural Geology and Tectonics Division of GSA for her 2016 JSG paper: Miranda, E.A., Hirth, G., John, B.E., 2016, Microstructural evidence for the transition from dislocation creep to dislocation-accommodated grain boundary sliding in naturally deformed plagioclase, Journal of Structural Geology, 92, p. 30-45, doi: 10.1016/j.jsg.2016.09.002


Illustration of Earth's core

CSUN Professor Explains the State of Earth’s Core Rotation

June 22, 2023

As news about the Earth’s core changing its course continues to raise questions, California State University, Northridge geological sciences professor Dayanthie Weeraratne offered some insight into what is currently known about the planet’s rotation.


Geological Science Class of 2023

Congratulations to the Class of 2023!

May 23, 2023

The event served as a well-deserved recognition and celebration of the hard work and dedication displayed by this year’s graduating class of undergraduate and graduate students. Amidst an air of excitement and anticipation, the convocation brought together faculty, families, and friends to honor the achievements of these scholars.


student presenting

CSUN Students Honored at Coast Geological Society Awards

April 19, 2023

Congratulations to two CSUN Geology students who were given awards at the third annual Coast Geological Society Student Symposium on April 18, 2023! The Coast Geological Society’s mission is to advance the science of geology, foster the spirit of scientific research, disseminate information relating to geology, inspire and maintain a high standard of professional conduct, and to advance the professional well being of their members.


Dr.Weerarante being interviewed

Dr. Weeraratne Interviewed for CSUN On Point

April 3, 2023

Dr. Dayanthie Weeraratne, CSUN Professor of seismology and geodynamics, discusses plate tectonics, earthquakes, and the realities of living near faults in California with CSUN’s On Point, a news program produced and run by CSUN students.


students listening to lecture

Professor Elena Miranda hosts “2023 EBSD Workshop” in CSUN Dept. of Geological Sciences

April 1, 2023

From March 23-26, Dr. Elena Miranda hosted a highly anticipated four-day workshop centered around the application of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) in the exploration of tectonic processes as part of a NSF-funded research project focused on intra-arc shear zones in Fiordland, New Zealand

Need Advising?

Students with general queries regarding the Geological Sciences advising & resources can visit the Department of Geological Sciences at Live Oak 1202 or call (818) 677-3541.

Learn More About Advising

Department Chair

Richard Heermance


Live Oak 1202

18111 Nordhoff Street

Northridge, CA 91330-8346

Phone: (818) 677-2052

Send email

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