Lithospheric Processes

Lithospheric Processes cause magmatism, mantle dynamics, and faulting, which in turn shape the Earth’s ever-changing surface. We study the effects of Lithospheric Processes with a diverse set of tools. We measure and model young, active tectonic systems with apparent earthquake and landscape hazards. We map subsurface fracture systems to better assess economic accumulations of hydrocarbons and better understand ground-water flow. We also study the high temperature systems in the Earth’s interior that produce magmas, drive metamorphism, and create mantle heterogeneity. 

Research in Lithospheric Processes focuses on the following sub-disciplines: