Josh Roering holds degrees from Stanford and University of California, Berkeley. He uses field observations, laboratory experiments, computer models, and remote sensing to conduct his investigations. Roering specializes in geomorphology, which addresses the evolution of landscapes, including mountain building by tectonic and volcanic processes and erosion by rivers, glaciers, landslides, and other processes. His research has led to fundamental insights on why many landscapes have an orderly appearance, with distinctive and evenly spaced valleys and ridges. He has also investigated the influence of land use practices, such as timber harv