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 -
Alex Evans
Assistant Professor -
Karen M. Fischer
Louis and Elizabeth Scherck Distinguished Professor of Geological Sciences -
Greg Hirth
Professor, Chair -
Christian Huber
Professor, Director of Undergraduate Studies -
Harriet Lau
Assistant Professor -
Victor Tsai
Professor, Director of Graduate Studies
Research Facilities and Resources
Geophysics News
Professor Colleen Dalton talks with NBC 10 about the April 5th earthquake that struck New Jersey and why it was unusual.
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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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Geophysical Research Letters
A Mid-Lithospheric Discontinuity Detected Beneath 155 Ma Western Pacific Seafloor Using Sp Receiver Functions
Recent Postdoctoral Research Fellow Kai-Xun Chen has published a new paper in Geophysical Research Letters, titled “Seismic evidence for a mid-lithospheric discontinuity in 155 million-year-old Pacific lithosphere. Consistent with now-frozen melt that was trapped in the young lithosphere close to the ridge.” The publication lays out evidence for a low velocity layer inside old oceanic lithosphere. Dr. Chen completed this research while he was a postdoctoral researcher in DEEPS, working with Prof. Don Forsyth and Prof. Karen Fischer.
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