Tectonics & Earth's Interior
Tectonics and Earth Interior Research
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?
Notable Faculty
- James Gaherty - Earthquake seismology
- Ryan Porter - Geophysics
- Christine Regalla - Structural geology
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
Who We Are
Our faculty includes:
- James Gaherty - Earthquake seismology, geodynamics
- Ryan Porter - Geophysics, seismology, tectonics
- Christine Regalla - Structural geology, active tectonics
- James Sample - Tectonics, geochemistry
- Donna Shillington - Geophysics, seismology
- Michael Smith - Sedimentary geology
- Casey Tierney - Geochemistry, volcanology
- Mary Reid - Igneous petrology (Emeritus)
- Michael Ort - Volcanology (Emeritus)
- Nancy Riggs - Volcanology, tectonics (Emeritus)
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
Contact Information
Email: SES.Admin@nau.edu
Phone: 928-523-9333
Location: Room A108, Ashurst Building, NAU, Flagstaff, AZ