In these studies, Moore and other researchers attempt to relate features of seismic reflection data to how conduits of fluid flow evolve with deformation. A project is also underway to analyze the nature of fluid pressures and rock properties around active faults using borehole data in tectonically active areas of California. Other projects involve analysis of the paleohydrology of exhumed faults. Eli Silver 's research involves study of the active processes and mechanisms of continental margin evolution, focusing at present on subduction, ophiolite emplacement, and tectonic collisions. He studies these processes with a wide variety of techniques, including marine and subaerial geology and geophysics.
Silver focuses on two problems.
One is collision processes and their role in mountain building, using the Solomon Sea and Papua New Guinea as field laboratories for these processes. Work there includes marine geophysics, field work on the collision zone onshore, and GPS observations of active movements. The second problem is the question of mass balance and fluid flow in subduction zones, and he is focusing on the Pacific margin of Costa Rica. Studies there include both 2D and 3D seismic reflection, submersible diving, and future ocean drilling and acoustic ranging experiments on the sea floor.