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Tectonics, Sedimentology, Earth Remote Sensing |
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Tectonics is the study of bedrock motion, which builds mountains, creates sedimentary basins, and generates earthquakes and volcanoes. Sedimentology includes both how deposits form, and the many inferences about tectonics that we can draw from them. Remote sensing covers many aspects from satellite image analysis to space geodesy including the Global Positioning System (GPS) and the new field of radar interferometry (InSAR), which shows the motions of the surface over broad areas with sub-centimeter precision.
Geologic studies at UCLA follow a long-standing tradition of excellent research in the following:
- Basin Analysis
- Stratigraphy/Paleoecology
- Tectonics and Sedimentation
- Continental evolution
- Active margin geometry
As the disciplines of Geoscience merge with those of Geochemistry, Astrobiology, Geophysics and Planetary Science, there has never been a more exciting suite of opportunities available to Geology students. Because we are a diverse department with faculty in many disciplines, our rigorous research topics include use of the most advanced computational-modeling programs, remote sensing data and advanced analytical techniques to help solve both large and small-scale field-based problems in many locations including the United States, Tibet, China, South America, Iran and, yes, on Mars!
Our Geology faculty specialize in:
- field geology and quantitative sedimentology (Andes, Alborz, Tibet, and western North America) supported by remote sensing and by new methods of dating (feldspar cooling; cosmogenic isotopes)
- geodetic measurement of tectonics on short time-scales, including coseismic and post-seismic strains (southern California, Tibet, Afar)
- computer modeling which synthesizes great quantities of existing data into global or regional tectonic models, and permits the testing of tectonic hypotheses
- study of the relations between seismicity and tectonics, with the goal of earthquake hazard forecasting.
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