Current Research

Dissertation Research
For my Doctoral research I am mainly interested in solving problems numerically using boundary element models.  My research involves understanding fracture growth and evolution for fluid flow and structural stability applications.  Fracture behavior, interaction and propagation is simulated using models and surficial features, such as topography, and is reproduced through these models.  From this, I can calculate subsurface and formational conditions necessary to produce the features we observe.  Using these techniques helps us to study structure and tectonics on other planets, such as Mars, in addition to Earth.

There are three distinct components of my dissertation research. 
The first part (presented at the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in Houston, TX, 2003) deals with fault interaction and triggered slip in Hesperia Planum, Mars.  Why do wrinkle ridges in this area form a distinctive orthogonal pattern?

Digital elevation model showing reticulate network of wrinkle ridges in Hesperia Planum Mars.

Could these faults and folds (a.k.a., wrinkle ridges) be old faults planes reactivated as wrinkle ridges with propagation of a younger set of wrinkle ridges?

Another part (presented at American Geophysical Union Conference in San Francisco, CA, Dec., 2003) relates dike growth to its topographic signature.  I compare the topographic signature observed on Earth with that we would expect to find on Mars if dike dimensions and formational conditions are identical. 

We find that if gravity is the only factor affecting topography the graben on Mars will be about 75% of what we see on Earth.

Thirdly, I am using Insar and Global Positioning Systems to observe micro-subsidence in the Reno Basin.

The  bulls-eye pattern just south of center represents subsidence due to geothermal water withdraw.  The larger yellow feature just north of center is subsidence in Reno.  Soon, I will post the supporting GPS results.

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