Principal Investigator: William Griffith
The motions of Earth’s enormous tectonic plates are typically measured in millimeters to tens of centimeters per year, seemingly confirming the generally-held view that tectonic processes are slow, and have been throughout Earth’s history. In line with this perspective, most laboratory research focused on rock failure has been limited to experiments utilizing slow loading rates. However, many natural processes that pose significant risk for humans (e.g., earthquakes and extraterrestrial impacts), and risks associated with human activities (explosions, mine failures, projectile penetration), occur at rates which are hundreds to thousands of time faster than typically simulated in the laboratory. As a result, little experimental data exists to confirm or calibrate theoretical models explaining the connection between these dramatic events and the pulverized rocks found in fault zones, impact, or explosion sites. Therefore, I propose to undertake a combined experimental and field investigation of brittle rock failure in both earthquake and impact environments. I posit that the mechanical behavior of different rock types at fast loading rates depends predictably on the microscopic composition and structure of individual minerals within the rocks. If true, this will allow scientists to better predict the consequences of earthquakes and impact events based on the rock structure in individual areas and furthermore allow engineers to design more effective structures to withstand the pressures in mining, petroleum and military environments. Integrated into this research plan is a partnership with Teach for America (TFA), a national teacher corps of college graduates and professionals who commit to teach for two years and raise student achievement in public schools, to create the TFA Geocorps. The TFA Geocorps will be high-achieving secondary school teachers involved in summer research activities related to the project who will also work with the Principal Investigator to design Geophysics-based thematic curriculum units to teach in their own classrooms. Graduate students supported by this project will supplement their academic training by taking active roles in collaborations with the participating TFA Geocorps teachers.