该系在原子和分子水平的地球材料研究以及利用这些研究结果解释从地壳到核心的构成地球的材料的特性方面具有深厚的背景。两个卓越中心，环境分子科学中心（CEMS）和矿物物理研究所（MPI）分别集中研究上地壳和地球内部的行为。两者都使用多种结构探针，一些位于部门，而其他位于国家和国际同步加速器的X射线和中子设施。在该部门内，存在用于单晶和粉末X射线衍射的广泛设备，并具有就地高温和高压研究的能力。项目重点研究了氧化物，氢氧化物，硫化物，碳酸盐和硅酸盐的晶体结构研究，包括相变，有序现象和离子交换的表征。方便地进入布鲁克
The department has a strong background in the study of earth materials at the atomic and molecular level, and in using the results of these studies to interpret the properties of materials constituting Earth from crust to core. Two centers of excellence, the Center for Environmental Molecular Sciences (CEMS) and the Mineral physics Institute (MPI) concentrate of the behavior of upper crustal and Earth's Interior, respectively. Both employ a wide range of structural probes, some located in the department and others located at national and international synchrotron X-ray and neutron facilities. Within the department, extensive facilities for single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, with capabilities for in situ high-temperature and high-pressure studies exist. Projects emphasize crystal structure studies on oxides, hydroxides, sulfides, carbonates, and silicates, including characterization of phase transitions, ordering phenomena, and ion exchange. Convenient access to the Brookhaven National Laboratory and the National Synchrotron Light Source, NSLS, provides opportunities for unique experiments requiring a high-intensity X-ray source. Other projects utilize X-ray absorption spectroscopy to examine local structure in minerals, neutron diffraction for studies of hydrous phases, and solid-state NMR spectroscopy to investigate crystal chemical substitutions and defects. Many of the department's faculty are actively engaged in the design and construction of the next generation of beamlines required for high pressure and environmental investigations. These facilities are being designed with the requirements of the Stony Brook and wider national and international user base in mind. This work is complemented by electron diffraction using the department's transmission electron microscope.