Programs:
Earthquake Mechanics [website]
Our research is focused on the physics of earthquakes and faulting and the mechanics of frictional sliding. Activities include laboratory experiments, analysis of field data, and numerical studies of faulting and dynamic rupture. Our laboratory work is focused on frictional and rheologic properties of brittle materials. The goal of this work is to develop a set of friction constitutive laws to describe the rheology of brittle deformation. A key part of the laboratory work has been identifying and documenting the effects of dilatancy and shear localization on second order variations in friction. We also devote significant effort to the scaling problems inherent in applying laboratory data to seismogenic faults. Connecting laboratory observations to field data and theoretical studies is a critical part of modern experimental studies.
Earthquake Seismology [website]
In concert with the department's geodynamics, earthquake mechanics,
volcanology, and active-source seismology groups, the Penn State
earthquake seismology group performs research on earth structure and
earthquake processes. Our work includes the analysis and collection of
large data sets for investigations of seismological imaging methods,
earthquake physics, and lithospheric evolution. We currently have about
10 graduate students who interact with about 60 others throughout the
department.
Structure, Tectonics, Geodynamics [website]
The Geodynamics Research Group takes an interdisciplinary approach to attacking some of the research problems in Tectonics, Seismology, Lithospheric Deformation and Dynamics, and Plate Tectonics. The group includes faculty, graduate students and undergraduate researchers working on a broad selection of topics, including crustal deformation in Northern California associated with the northward migration of the Mendocino Triple Junction, modeling creep on the Hayward Fault, using GPS to estimate slip rates in Baja California, relocating earthquakes to examine seismicity origins in New Zealand, as well as many other exciting projects concentrating on areas of active tectonics worldwide.
Environmental Geophysics [website]
The environmental geophysics research program uses geophysical observations of the shallow subsurface to address environmental and engineering problems, particularly those related to physical, chemical, and biological processes. Research projects can be lab, field, or theoretically based. Research in environmental geophysics involves studying the links between measured geophysical properties and the hydrologic parameters of interest as well as investigating innovative ways to integrate geophysical data with models of groundwater flow and contaminant transport. Projects in environmental geophysics are tightly coupled with research projects in hydrogeology.
Geophysics [website]
The geophysics research program includes the areas of Earthquake Mechanics, Earthquake Seismology, Tectonics, Geodynamics, and Environmental Geophysics, as described above. In addition, the geophysics program includes research in active source seismology (see descriptions for Ice and Climate and Basin Research).
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