The Geophysics group combines experimental, theoretical, and observational studies to determine physical processes operating on and within the Earth and other planets. Our interdisciplinary research integrates approaches from geology, physics, mathematics, and engineering. Research topics include earth imaging, seismology, machine learning, rock deformation, geomechanics, earthquakes, glaciers, and volcanoes, with an aim to fundamentally understand the underlying physical processes and make robust predictions.
Department of Earth, Environmental & Planetary Sciences
Geophysics
Understanding the physical processes that shape the Earth and other planets.
Geophysics
Understanding the physical processes that shape the Earth and other planets.
Faculty
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Karianne Bergen
Assistant Professor -
Reid Cooper
Professor -
Colleen Dalton
Professor, Director of Undergraduate Studies -
Alex Evans
Assistant Professor -
Karen M. Fischer
Louis and Elizabeth Scherck Distinguished Professor of Geological Sciences -
Greg Hirth
Professor -
Christian Huber
Professor, Director of Graduate Studies -
Harriet Lau
Assistant Professor -
Victor Tsai
Professor
Research Facilities and Resources
Geophysics News
Brown Alumni Magazine
Fault Tolerance
After decades of research, a reliable earthquake prediction system remains elusive as ever. Michael Blanpied ’85 ScM, ’89 PhD isn’t worried.
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Findings published in Nature by a team of Brown-led researchers challenge traditional beliefs about the cause of earthquakes and suggest that it depends not on friction, but on the ways faults are aligned.
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The Publics Radio
East Coast earthquake felt in Rhode Island
Rhode Island was among several East Coast states that felt a small earthquake on Friday morning, April 5th. Brown University Professor of Geological Sciences Karen Fischer says even though the quake was small, it was felt in multiple states because of the geologic makeup of the East Coast.
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