SG&T Research

Lamont scientists utilize a variety of observational and computational techniques to image and model the deep interior of the Earth, from crust to core. Much of this research is seismological in nature, using recordings of earthquakes to infer variations in temperature, composition, and rock fabric that result from deformation and flow in the interior. Our research sometimes requires the installation and operation of seismic arrays from remote locales around the globe. This includes the ocean floor, using state-of-the-art instrumentation provided by Lamont's Ocean Bottom Seismology laboratory.

SG&T scientists employ a broad spectrum of tools and techniques to develop a better understanding of the mechanics and dynamics of earthquakes and faulting.  These techniques include laboratory and experimental studies of rock and fault mechanics, numerical models of earthquake dynamics, and observational studies of earthquake nucleation, seismic slip, and ground shaking. 

Geodynamics research in SG&T is focused on understanding the forces that drive deformation and tectonism in the solid Earth, and the role that rock rheology, physical state (solid or partially molten), and composition play in controlling such deformation.  The techniques include computational and laboratory studies of deformation and melt migration, and the application of observational geodetic and seismic techniques to probe these processes at the field scale. 

Our faculty and staff engage in research projects that include the processes of continental deformation, fault growth, normal faulting, sedimentary layering patterns, Neoproterozoic Earth history, and orbital forcing of the Earth's climate and its geological consequences. Current research centers on linkages between glaciation and the evolution of the oceans, atmosphere and life. An interdisciplinary research approach includes aspects of structural geology, seismology, volcanology, paleomagnetism, Quaternary stratigraphy, isotope geochronology and numerical modeling, as well as active field work.

Lamont-Doherty Cooperative Seismographic Network (LCSN) monitors earthquakes which occur primarily in the Eastern United States. The network has been operated since early '70s and consists of four sub-networks with Internet nodes continuously recording digital seismic signals.

Continental margins are the Earth's principal loci for producing hydrocarbon and metal resources, for earthquake, landslide, volcanic and climatic hazards, and for the greatest population density. Despite the societal and economic importance of margins, many of the mechanical, fluid, chemical and biological processes that shape them are poorly understood. Progress is hindered by the sheer scope of the problems and by the space and time scales as well as the complexities of the processes.  To overcome these obstacles, the earth science community has identified the outstanding scientific problems in continental margins research and the MARGINS Program is promoting research strategies that redirect traditional approaches to margin studies. 

Earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, floods, drought, cyclones and other natural hazards have significant potential to affect human lives and society. The foundation of hazard mitigation is basic research in geophysical, oceanographic, atmospheric and environmental sciences. Our global research characterizes natural hazards, reviews historical vulnerability, calculates risk and examines the direct and indirect impacts of natural disasters on human society, especially its most vulnerable populations.

Our Ocean Bottom Seismology (OBS) Laboratory develops and operates cutting-edge instrumentation for measuring deformation of the ocean floor in a variety of experimental settings.  One of our primary efforts is to operate a component of the National Science Foundation's OBS Instrumentation Pool (OBSIP), in cooperation with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The Lamont OBSIP facility supplies the national and international scientific community with unique broadband ocean bottom seismometers capable of very long deployments at sea.