The College of Mines and Earth Sciences' location in a mineral- and energy-rich geographical area provides a study and research environment that extends far beyond campus boundaries. Because of Utah's mineral resources, the college is pivotal in developing a region increasingly vital to the nation's mining and energy future. The college consists of four academic departments that offer six majors and four baccalaureate and graduate degrees. All faculty have doctorates, at least one-third have significant industrial experience, and many retain ties to industry. In addition to teaching, faculty engage in a wide variety of research activities. Graduate students and some undergraduates also participate in research."

Faculty and students are currently investigating a wide array of internal Earth processes including plate tectonics processes, magmatism, mechanisms of pluton emplacement, rock magnetism and paleomagnetism, evolution of orogenic belts, thermal aspects of a variety of geologic processes, metamorphic processes, crustal fluid flow and fluid-rock interaction, mechanics of faulting and generation of earthquakes, neotectonics and seismic hazards, origins and characteristics of geoelectric fields, and hydrothermal systems. These studies utilize a wide array of geological, geophysical, and geochemical approaches."

The University of Utah Seismograph Stations (UUSS) is a research, educational, and public-service entity within the University's Department of Geology and Geophysics. UUSS operates a 100-station regional seismic network serving the populations of Utah, eastern Idaho, and western Wyoming, including Yellowstone National Park. The seismology group currently includes two regular faculty and two research faculty who have expertise and primary interests in seismology - variously including earthquake seismology, exploration seismology, and crustal-deformation studies using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. GPS research at the University of Utah focuses on the overall strain and deformation field of the Basin-Range province that includes Yellowstone and the track of the Yellowstone hotspot across the Snake River Plain as well as the 370-kilometer-long Wasatch fault zone. The University of Utah has gained national recognition as the primary center for seismological research and earthquake surveillance in the Intermountain West. Scores of earthquake research projects have been carried out throughout Utah and neighboring states. By leading major multi-institutional seismic field experiments and through scientific research accomplishments, University seismologists have achieved international recognition."

Research at the University of Utah Seismograph Stations (UUSS) extends beyond the boundaries of the State of Utah. One important component of the work at the station is to monitor earthquake activity in the Yellowstone/Teton National Parks area. UUSS researchers and students have a long tradition of working to understand the dormant volcanic system at Yellowstone. They have also been working to better understand the potential dangers of the Teton Fault. The spectacular scenery of the Teton's is the result of this fault; but, it also provides a constant earthquake threat to residents and visitors. UUSS research projects are aimed at better understanding the likelihood of future earthquakes and eruptions.