Asthenospheric and Lithospheric Dynamics

Large-scale surface geological features, such as high mountain chains and deep rifted valleys, are ultimately controlled by dynamic processes occurring in the Earth’s lithosphere and asthenosphere. Our research in this area uses an array of geophysical, geochemical, and petrographic techniques to delineate past and present tectonic processes and quantify the strength and direction of plastic flow in the asthenosphere.

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Interested in discussing the research we are working on or learning more? Please contact:
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Dr. Andreas Eckert

Associate Professor, Petroleum Engineering/Geology and Geophysics

573-341-4876 | eckertan@mst.edu |

328 McNutt Hall

Research Interests

Numerical simulation of buckle folding, numerical simulation of rock fabric evolution, fracture initiation, salt tectonics, deformation bands, and wellbore and reservoir geomechanics. 

For more information regarding Dr. Eckert's research, please visit his website, or select here for publications.
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Dr. Stephen Gao

Department Chair, Professor, Geology and Geophysics/Geological Engineering

573-341-6676 | sgao@mst.edu |

B-35 McNutt Hall

Research Interests

Theoretical and applied geophysics, structure and dynamics of the Earth's crust and mantle, earthquakes, seismic anisotropy, and receiver function analysis.

For additional information regarding Dr. Gao's research, please visit his website or select here for publications.
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Dr. Katherine Grote

Associate Professor, Geological Engineering

573-341-4100 | grotekr@mst.edu |

157 McNutt Hall

Research Interests

Groundwater and near surface geophysics, specifically in applying these techniques to promote sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.

For additional information regarding Dr. Grote's research, please select here for publications.
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Dr. Kelly Liu

Professor, Geology and Geophysics/Petroleum Engineering

573-341-6724 | liukh@mst.edu |

B-43 McNutt Hall

Research Interests

Earthquakes and exploration seismology, seismic data processing and interpretation, and applied geophysics.

For additional information regarding Dr. Liu's research, please see her website, or select here for publications.
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Dr. Marek Locmelis

Associate Professor, Geology and Geophysics/Petroleum Engineering

573-341-4759 | locmelism@mst.edu |

334 McNutt Hall

Research Interests

Geochemistry, petrology, planetary evolution and analytical chemistry.  Investigating the fundamental processes that underlie the formation of metal deposits in Earth's interior and on Mars.

For additional information regarding Dr. Locmelis's research, please see his website, or select here for publications.
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Dr. Jeremy Maurer

Assistant Professor, Geological Engineering/Geology and Geophysics

573-341-4852 | jlmd9g@mst.edu |

326 McNutt Hall

Research Interests

Geodesy, earthquake and fault mechanics, induced seismicity, inverse problems and modeling, uncertainty quantification, crustal deformation, and geophysical methods.

For more information regarding Dr. Maurer's research, please visit his website, or select here for publications.
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Dr. Jonathan Obrist Farner

Associate Professor, Geology and Geophysics/Petroleum Engineering

573-341-7879 | obristj@mst.edu |

332 McNutt Hall

Research Interests

Sedimentology, stratigraphy, basin analysis, petroleum geology, and paleolimnology.

For additional information regarding Dr. Obrist-Farner's research, please see his website, or select here for publications.