
Geophysics at KU In this internationally recognized program, faculty and students are engaged in pioneering research in • near-surface seismology • 3-D shallow reflection seismology • ground-penetrating radar • hydrogeophysics • structure and dynamics of active orogens • applications of GIS technology to geological problems Students may earn an M.S. or Ph.D degree with emphasis in geophysics. Successful students gain an advanced theoretical and applied geophysics education, both in the classroom and in the field, built on a strong geology and physics foundation. Most incoming students have undergraduate degrees in geology, physics, or geophysics, but we encourage students with backgrounds in mathematics, computer science, or engineering also to apply.	The department has extensive state-of-the-art geophysical field instrumentation and computer facilities. "The Geology/Geophysics graduate program offers maximum student-faculty interaction in dynamic teaching and research."	Geophysics Faculty & Research Ross Black studies the structure of the Earth's crust in the U.S. Midcontinent and West; one focus is the application of GIS to geological/geophysical studies in areas with geothermal resources. Other research is in practical applications of shallow reflection and tomographic techniques to groundwater problems, and anisotropy and heterogeneity in petroleum reservoirs. George Tsoflias uses ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to study electromagnetic wave propogation through geologic formations. One focus is the characterization of subsurface fluid-flow properties and, in particular, the hydraulic properties of fractures. In addition to developing new radar methods and researching radar integration with shallow seismic methods, he is applying radar techniques in collaborative research with KU faculty in hydrogeology, tectonics sedimentology, glaciology, and electrical engineering. Don Steeples, McGee Distinguished Professor of Applied Geophysics, specializes in near-surface, high resolution seismic reflection research. His practical experience in several countries and across the U.S. has led to his recognition as a world expert in this field. He has published widely on near-surface geophysics and earthquake seismology.

Geophysics at KU

In this internationally recognized program, faculty and students are engaged in pioneering research in
• near-surface seismology
• 3-D shallow reflection seismology
• ground-penetrating radar
• hydrogeophysics
• structure and dynamics of active orogens
• applications of GIS technology to geological
problems

Students may earn an M.S. or Ph.D degree with emphasis
in geophysics. Successful students gain an advanced theoretical and applied geophysics education, both in the classroom and in the field, built on a strong geology and physics foundation.

Most incoming students have undergraduate degrees in geology, physics, or geophysics, but we encourage students with backgrounds in mathematics, computer science, or engineering also to apply.

The department has extensive
state-of-the-art geophysical field instrumentation and computer facilities.

"The Geology/Geophysics graduate program offers maximum student-faculty interaction in dynamic teaching and research."

seismic truck

Geophysics Faculty & Research

Ross Black studies the structure of the Earth's crust in the U.S. Midcontinent and West; one focus is the application of GIS to geological/geophysical studies in areas with geothermal resources. Other research is in practical applications of shallow reflection and tomographic techniques to groundwater problems, and anisotropy and heterogeneity in petroleum reservoirs.

George Tsoflias uses ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to study electromagnetic wave propogation through geologic formations. One focus is the characterization of subsurface fluid-flow properties and, in particular, the hydraulic properties of fractures. In addition to developing new radar methods and researching radar integration with shallow seismic methods, he is applying radar techniques in collaborative research with KU faculty in hydrogeology, tectonics sedimentology, glaciology, and electrical engineering.

Don Steeples, McGee Distinguished Professor of Applied Geophysics, specializes in near-surface, high resolution seismic reflection research. His practical experience in several countries and across the U.S. has led to his recognition as a world expert in this field. He has published widely on near-surface geophysics and earthquake seismology.