The Earth Surface Systems Lab of Associate Professor Samuel Muñoz studies hydrologic and climatic variability and its connections to the natural and built environment.

We are interested in how floods, droughts, and other climate-related hazards shape landscapes and societies across the land-sea interface.

Our interdisciplinary research combines geological and historical perspectives with statistical and Earth system models to improve societal preparedness and response to natural hazards.


Our lab stands for justice and equal treatment of all people, regardless of age, culture, race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, national origin, physical or mental disability, politics, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status. We strive to cultivate a lab culture built on encouragement, acceptance, and mutual respect. We do this because we believe that science is strongest when it is practiced by a group that reflects the diversity of our communities.