Dr. Walter Alvarez

Professor

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Biography

Walter Alvarez is a Professor in the Graduate School specializing in Earth and Planetary Science. His research focuses on stratigraphy and Earth history, particularly the role of comet and asteroid impacts in causing mass extinctions and influencing the evolutionary trajectory of life. Alvarez has a keen interest in tectonics, stratigraphy, and structural geology, with a geographical emphasis on the Mediterranean region, including Italy, Sardinia, Corsica, Spain, and North Africa. His work also explores global tectonics, the geology of the Quaternary period, and implications for understanding Roman archaeology and glacial cycles. He has published extensively on stratigraphy and pelagic limestones, contributing to the field of Big History and the history of geology. Alvarez is actively engaged in teaching and is currently accepting new graduate students.

Research Interests

Requirements for University of California, Berkeley

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GRE Subject
Overall Score
Required:500
Overall
Required:500
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent Preparation comparable to undergraduate major at Berkeley in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics 2 full years lower-division work (Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Multivariable Calculus) 8 one-semester upper-division courses (Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Linear Algebra)
Application Checklist
  • Graduate Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • C.V./Resume
  • Course and Textbook List
Specialization Notes

The Mathematics Subject GRE is required for the Fall 2026 admissions cycle. General GRE is optional.