Welcome to the Seismology and Tectonics
Lab
A primary focus in seismology and tectonics is the determination
of detailed three dimensional earth structure, from the core to the surface,
and related studies on the dynamics that drives mantle convection, deformation
of the lithosphere, and plate tectonics in general. Particular emphasis
is placed on interdisciplinary research and collaboration to understand
the structure, composition, and dynamics of the Earth's interior, as well
as the driving forces for plate movements and deformations. Inferences
made from seismological, geodynamic, and geodetic investigations are integrated
with findings from the fields of mineral and rock physics, geochemistry,
and petrology. Areas of specific focus in seismology include seismic structures
in the inner core, outer core, core-mantle boundary, upper mantle transition
zone and subduction zones, strong ground motion studies, earthquake source
parameter studies, and theoretical studies on seismic wave propagation.
Investigations in tectonophysics include the coupling between mantle convection
and lithospheric dynamics, the development of kinematics, mechanics, and
seismicity within plate boundary deformation zones, and the inference of
mantle flow beneath the lithosphere. Current projects involve using earthquake
and space geodetic data to infer the deformation fields and employing numerical,
analytical, and analog modeling to understand surface geodynamical observations,
ranging from geoid, topography, plate motions and surface deformations
in the global and regional scales to the partitioning of strain at geometrically
complex plate margins.
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