Geology & Geophysics
motivated by the SPACE AROUND YOU
The Geology & Geophysics group at Purdue focuses on the dynamics of the processes that shape our planet, from the motion of tectonic plates, the development of mountain ranges and oil-bearing sedimentary basins, to the triggering of earthquakes. To do so, we use a combination of modern observational techniques (e.g., cosmogenic isotopes, space geodesy, basins analysis) and develop theoretical models that integrate these observations in consistent physical frameworks.
Affiliated Faculty & Research Area
| Larry Braile | Seismology, crustal and upper mantle structure, inversion of geophysical data, intraplate earthquakes, Earth science education |
| Lucy Flesch | Kinematics and dynamics of continental deformation, lithospheric rheology, shear wave splitting, mantle/lithosphere interaction |
| Andy Freed | Finite element analysis of transient processes: earthquake triggering, viscous rheology, evolution of extraterrestrial surfaces, subduction zones |
| Hersh Gilbert | Crust and upper mantle dynamics: continental lithospheric structure, upper mantle heterogeneity, crustal anisotropy, seismic imaging and waveform modeling |
| Darryl Granger | Tectonic geomorphology, landscape evolution, cosmogenic nuclides applied to geomorphology and surface processes, environmental geosciences |
| Saad Haq | Modeling of oblique collision and plateau growth, understanding mechanics of thin-skinned deformation in response to strain partitioning |
| Jay Melosh | Tectonic deformation of planetary lithospheres, including the Earth's, and the physics of earthquakes, landslides and large, rapid mass movements |
| Bob Nowack | Seismic imaging of the Earth's crust and upper mantle, geophysical inverse theory |
| Jim Ogg | Paleomagnetics, ocean histroy, sedimentary geology |
| Ken Kidgway | Basin analysis, tectonics, sedimentary petrology, petroleum geology |
| Eric Riggs | Structural geology, rock deformation, fracture morphology and shear localization, mineral physics, geoscience education |
| Terry West | Geologic hazards including slope stability, environmental and engineering geology, groundwater contamination |
Useful Links
NCAR Community Climate System Model (CCSM)
PCCRC - Purdue Climate Change Research Center
PRIME Lab- Purdue Rare Isotope Measurement Laboratory