Tectonics & Earth's Interior

Study of Earth's internal and surface processes, plate boundaries, crustal processes, and landscape evolution to understand plate boundary processes and tectonic evolution of the American Cordillera.

Research Focus

Study of Earth’s internal and surface processes, plate boundaries, crustal processes, and landscape evolution. Our research addresses plate boundary processes, crustal and mantle dynamics, interaction between surface and deeper processes, and tectonic evolution of the American Cordillera.

Research Questions

What are the processes at plate boundaries?
How do crustal and mantle dynamics work?
How do surface and deeper processes interact?
What is the tectonic evolution of the American Cordillera?

Research Areas

Plate boundary processes
Crustal dynamics
Mantle dynamics
Surface-interior process interactions
American Cordillera evolution
Structural geology
Earthquake seismology
Geophysical imaging

Methods and Techniques

Seismological analysis
Geophysical surveys
Structural field mapping
Geodynamic modeling
Geochronology
Petrological analysis
Remote sensing

Applications

Research applications include:

Earthquake hazard assessment
Natural resource exploration
Geotechnical site characterization
Understanding regional geology
Tectonic hazard evaluation

Student Training

Students gain experience in:

Field mapping techniques
Geophysical data analysis
Laboratory instrumentation
Numerical modeling
Structural analysis
Scientific communication

Regional Focus

Special emphasis on:

American Cordillera
Western United States tectonics
Plate boundary zones
Active tectonic regions

Collaborators

At NAU:

Astronomy and Planetary Science

Outside NAU:

USGS Astrogeology Science Center
USGS Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center
Incorporated Research Institutes for Seismology
Northern Arizona Planetary Science Association

For Students

Students can pursue degrees in:

Undergraduate: BS in Geology
Master’s: Geology MS (thesis-based)
PhD: Earth Sciences & Environmental Sustainability with Earth Systems emphasis