Geophysics and Seismology
Research includes the collection, analysis, and interpretation of seismic, geodetic,
electrical, magnetic and gravity data.
Funded research projects include: large-scale lithospheric studies using active and
passive seismic, GPS geodesy, and potential field data; petroleum exploration projects
using 3-D industrial seismic data; studies of reservoir-induced seismicity; earthquake
and environmental hazards analysis and seismic research contribution to monitoring
the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. USC has one of the most active seismological
field programs in the country. Projects spanning the globe focus on: lithospheric
process investigations using active and passive seismological studies; processes of
intraplate and induced seismicity; seismological problems of South Carolina; and seismological
issues in monitoring and verifying a Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. USC hosts
the South Carolina Seismic Network and has an active program in monitoring the state
and studying prehistoric seismicity and paleoliquefaction features in the southeast.
Geophysics & Seismology Faculty