Geophysics

The Geophysics cluster is made up of a Seismology program, which is part of the Geodyamics and Tectonics group, and an Applied Geophysics program, which is part of the Surficial Processes and the Environment Research Group. Both programs lead to an M.Sc. or Ph.D. degree in Geological Sciences or an M.Sc. in Environmental Geosciences.

Faculty

Kazuja Fujita — Global Tectonics, Earthquake Seismology
David W. Hyndman — Hydrogeology, Hydrogeophysics
Kevin Mackey — Earthquake Seismology
Remke L. Van Dam — Applied Geophysics

Links

Equipment and Resources

Earthquake Seismology

Research in the Seismology program focuses on seismology and tectonics of eastern Russia, western Alaska, the Arctic, and Michigan. We use multiple data sets, including seismicity, seismotectonics, travel-time analysis, image and map interpretation, geology, and geochronology, to determine plate interactions, seismic hazards, crustal structure, and tectonic evolution. These results can be applied to earthquake prediction, nuclear monitoring, resource evaluation, and education.

Applied and Environmental Geophysics

Research in the Applied Geophysics program explores seismic and electromagnetic wave propagation through the subsurface, as well as geological hazards. We are focusing on data acquisition, and physical models for subsurface parameter estimation. Our research explores the effects of lithological properties on wave velocity and attenuation to estimate various hydrogeological and geotechnical properties of the subsurface.