Advancing Biogeosciences and Tectonophysics Research through Novel Developments in Near Surface Geophysics

Abstract:

In near-surface geophysics, a variety of imaging techniques are used to capture the dynamic processes occurring in the upper few hundred meters of the Earth. Within this near surface region, microorganisms are abundant and play an important role in the biogeochemical cycling of elements and nutrients with implications for climate change. Additionally, the near surface layer of the Earth links deep earth processes to surface processes and records the signature of deep crustal processes that release mass (fluids and volatiles) and elastic energy (structural deformation). The high spatial and temporal resolution afforded by geophysical measurements can be harnessed to advance fundamental understanding of biosphere-geosphere interactions and evolution as well as tectonic processes that shape the near surface earth. This presentation will focus on how near-surface geophysics can be interfaced with (1) biogeosciences/geomicrobiology to understand biogeochemical hot zones in both modern and paleo environments, human impacts on the biogeochemical cycling of elements and minerals, and (2) tectonophysics and seismology research to advance our understanding of upper-crustal strain distribution and coseismic soft-sediment deformation in continental settings.