- Applied geophysics and near-surface characterizations
- Lithospheric studies
- Geodynamics
- Earthquake seismology
- Geophysics of volcanoes
The study and characterization of the subsurface, both shallow and deep, has a wide variety of applications, including fault mapping, groundwater and soil mapping, minerals, and cultural artifacts. Tools for this can include seismic, gravity, electrical resistivity, ground penetrating radar, and magnetometry. Other research topics involve the deeper structure of the earth, such as the structure of the subduction zone, and can be studied using alternative seismic methods, paleomagnetism, and gravity data. Geodynamics involves computational modeling to better understand the driving forces of plate tectonics, and earthquakes, a manifestation of plate tectonics, and built-up stresses will also be studied. Volcanic systems can be imaged using seismic techniques, current activity monitored using small earthquakes and signals generated by fluid motion, and their evolution mapped using paleomagnetism.