Research Group Environmental Geophysics

The Earth's Critical Zone, the part of the Earth that is sustaining life by providing critical resources, is described by complex interactions between rock, soil, air, water, and living organisms. Characterizing the subsurface properties and processes that affect this zone is crucial for understanding a wide range of earth and environmental phenomena linked to challenging and emerging issues, such as geohazard assessment and mitigation, sustainable management of water, energy and food resources, and environmental protection. Geophysical sensing, because of its capability to image subsurface processes at high spatial and temporal resolution in a non-invasive way, is playing an important role. We develop near-surface geophysical methods and combine them with in-situ and remote sensing, and environmental monitoring to improve our understanding of subsurface processes and surface-subsurface interactions to improve predictive Earth system modeling.

Working Area

We focus on terrestrial processes, mostly related to permafrost environments, landslides, and groundwater resources. Our current working areas are in Alaska (Permafrost, Landslides), California (Water resources, Landslides), and Senegal (Water resources).

Methods

We use integrated approaches combining geoelectrical and electromagnetic sensing in both laboratory and field settings, with remote sensing and physical subsurface models. In our hydrogeophysical laboratory, we establish relationships between geophysical and thermo-hydro-geomechanical parameters, and develop methodologies for improved monitoring of subsurface processes. Remote, long-term and short-term geoelectrical monitoring is used to image subsurface processes.