Satellites and supercomputers are the tools of modern earth scientists. Their research ranges from climate change prediction and earthquake simulation to energy optimization. They investigate the causes of drought, design measures to prevent natural disasters, and pave the way for the future of renewable energy. Stanford geoscientists are likely to be seen in front of an electronic screen. They use algorithms to analyse large amounts of remote sensing data or use computer models to simulate nature, much like they are drilling ice cores in Antarctica or collecting soil samples from the mountains of Mongolia.