In the Structural Geology and Geomechanics group at Ohio State University, we study the development and dynamic behavior of brittle structures observed in rocks using experimental and continuum mechanical models. Fractures influence our daily lives more than most people care to realize. Our particular research interests vary from the physics of earthquake rupture to crustal deformation in active margins to fracturing of reservoir rocks, but the underlying theme of our work involves collecting structural data in the field and studying that data in the context of physics-based models to learn about the processes that govern the formation, growth, and mechanical behavior of fractures in the earth’s crust.
Our group is unique in that we spend equal parts of time in the field, in the lab doing physical experiments, and on the computer building numerical models. We subscribe to the view that to really understand physical processes involved in crustal deformation in the Earth, we must start with astute observations in the field, followed by careful idealization and model construction to explain our observations. One benefit to this approach is that we have something for anyone who is mathematically-inclined and curious about the natural world: field work, physical experiments, and/or theoretical modeling. Most projects include at least two of the three. If you are a prospective graduate student, please take a closer look at information on our webpage. For more information, please contact me at Griffith.233@osu.edu
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