Dr. Sheehan's research is focused on the geophysical study of earthquakes, tsunamis, and the crust and upper mantle of the Earth and its relation to tectonic deformation. Sheehan's projects include work in New Zealand, Alaska, and the Rocky Mountains and Rio Grande Rift and of Colorado and New Mexico. Much of Sheehan's work includes the deployment of portable seismometers both on-land and in oceanic regions (ocean bottom seismometers). The seismometers record both distant and local earthquakes. The earthquakes are used as signals to image subsurface structure and to study earthquake source characteristics. Sheehan has led experiments that use ocean bottom seismometers offshore New Zealand and Alaska. Sheehan has an interest in earthquakes in the Rocky Mountain region, both tectonic and induced by human activities. Other work in the Rocky Mountain region includes the use of electromagnetic methods (magnetotellurics) and GPS geodesy experiments in addition to seismology.
keywords
geophysics, earthquakes, tsunamis, deep Earth structure, crust and mantle structure, seismology, geology, mountains, plate tectonics, induced earthquakes
ASTR 6650 - Seminar in Geophysics
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018
Advanced seminar studies in geophysical subjects for graduate students. Same as GEOL 6650 and PHYS 6650.
GEOL 1170 - Our Deadly Planet
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019
This course investigates those events so dramatic and catastrophic that they have left evidence in the geologic record that suggest they significantly impacted life on the planet. These include. but are not limited to, violent volcanic eruptions, mega-earthquakes and associated tsunamis, landslides and sector collapse on volcanoes, megafloods, rapid climatic change, superstorms, and impacts from asteroids and comets. The intent is to use examples from recent events and processes to frame and interpret evidence for these types of events observed in the rock record.
GEOL 3330 - Principles of Geophysics
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2019
Provides an introduction to fundamental geophysics including seismology, geomagnetism, gravity, and electromagnetic methods with applications to plate tectonics and exploration of the subsurface.
GEOL 4714 - Field Geophysics
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018
Applies geophysical field techniques and data interpretation to studying geological and engineering problems. Fieldwork includes seismic, gravity, magnetic, and electrical measurements.
GEOL 5714 - Field Geophysics
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018
Applies geophysical field techniques and data interpretation to studying geological and engineering problems. Fieldwork includes seismic, gravity, magnetic and electrical measurements. Department enforced prerequisite: restricted to graduate students only and GEOL 2001 or GEOL 2700 and MATH 1300 and PHYS 1110. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours.
GEOL 6650 - Seminar in Geophysics
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2019
Advanced seminar studies in geophysical subjects for graduate students. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Same as ASTR 6650 and PHYS 6650.
PHYS 6650 - Seminar in Geophysics
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Fall 2019
Advanced seminar studies in geophysical subjects for graduate students. Same as GEOL 6650 and GEOL 6650.
