Our seismometer is a modern, digital instrument that records continuously and saves records on hard disk. It acts as its own web server to the OhioSeis network of 17 seismometers throughout the state of Ohio. Over the years, the department has been involved in many shallow geophysical surveys. These studies dealt with understanding the shallow subsurface using seismic refraction and reflection, magnetic, resistivity, and gravity methods. These studies are often integrated into a broader environmental or engineering problem.
Engineering geology is a relatively new area in the department.
Areas of interest include foundation studies and slope stability analysis. Because geophysical techniques are effective tools for investigating the subsurface, they are often used as part of an engineering investigation.