Geophysics

 

Tectonophysics Fault Systems Structural Seismology Field-based Seismology Rock Mechanics Earthquake Mechanics Deep Earth Dynamics Numerical Modeling of Solid Earth Systems Geophysics Faculty

Geophysical studies at USC are aimed at trying to better understand the entirety of Earth's interior and its dynamics across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. Our research focuses on earthquakes and related fault-zone processes, lithospheric dynamics, mantle convection and its relationships to thermal evolution of Earth and plate tectonic activity, and ventures to greater depths where outer core/mantle interactions occur and core processes generate Earth's magnetic field.

There also are many strong connections between Geophysics and other programs at USC:

• USC Department of Physics
• USC Viterbi School of Engineering
• Information Sciences Institute
• Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
• Computer Engineering

Headquartered at USC, the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC) is an important component of the Geophysics Program in the Department of Earth Sciences. SCEC is leading efforts worldwide to improve our understanding of earthquake behavior using system-level models, and translating that knowledge into practical products to improve seismic hazard analysis and reduce earthquake risk. The Center now involves over 700 scientists at more than 70 institutions, and USC faculty are involved in SCEC research and collaborations at many levels.

APPLY We seek students with an Earth science, physics, engineering, computer science or math background who are interested in a quantitative analysis of how the solid Earth works. Through their graduate work, they can expect to make significant contributions within an interdisciplinary and diverse team that is embedded in active collaborations across the globe, from Asia to Europe and the Middle East, Africa, Australia, and the Pacific.