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Scott T. Marshall

Professor

117 Rankin Science South
Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences
Appalachian State University
572 Rivers Street
Boone, NC 28608

Email: marshallst<at>appstate<dot>edu
Phone: 828-262-8320

For more information, view my CV

Research Interests

Geophysics || Fracture Mechanics || Geodesy || Tectonophysics

My research combines geology with fundamentals of physics, mathematics, and computer science to learn about how the Earth deforms in response to tectonic stresses. Earthquake-generating faults follow physical laws that can be quantified and mathematically modeled, consequently much of my recent research has focused on creating 3D mechanical models of the most complex portions of southern California including the Los Angeles and Ventura Basins, and the Salton Trough. I also use modern satellite geodetic techniques including GPS and InSAR to measure defomation of the surface of the Earth.

Because this type of work is quantitative and involves processing very large data sets, computer programming is a key component to my research. If you are a student and this type of research sounds interesting, please see my student opportunities page. Check out my research page for more details about my recent and ongoing projects.

Is this work useful to society?

Understanding surface deformation and fracture mechanics is not only of academic interest. For example, fracture mechanics and satellite-based surface deformation studies are commonly used to better understand numerous problems of societal interest including:

  • Earthquake hazards / Earthquake potential
  • Volcano activity and predictions of volcanic eruptions
  • Flow of fluids (water/oil/gas/fracking fluids) in the subsurface
  • Failures related to sinkholes, mine collapses, etc...
  • Monitoring and prediction of landslides and other land movements
  • Safety of dams and other engineered structures
  • The viability of hydrocarbon reservoirs