- Dr. David Foster‘s research is focused on the tectonic evolution of continents, mountain belts, and extensional basins. He uses the research tools of thermochronology, structural geology, metamorphic petrology, and isotope geochemistry to understand the processes involved in the evolution of the continental crust and large-scale earth features. Geochronologic and thermochronologic dating methods (Ar-Ar, fission-track, U-Pb) are used extensively in his research to directly date tectonic/thermal events, exhumation rates, and movement along faults and shear zone. He is also researching the relationships between tectonics and landscape evolution. (email: dafoster@ufl.edu)
- Dr. Alessandro Forte (email:forte@ufl.edu) – Global geophysics and geodynamics, joint seismic-geodynamic modelling of 3-D Earth structure, quantitative modelling of mantle convection and its impact on surface processes, which include gravity, topography, sea level, plate tectonics, earth orbital parameters, paleogeography, and Milanković climate cycles.
- Dr. Joe Meert‘s research is aimed at deciphering the assembly and breakup of Proterozoic-Early Paleozoic supercontinents using a combination of paleomagnetism and geochronology. The research bears directly on issues regarding ancient paleoclimates (such as the Snowball Earth hypothesis), geodynamics (plate speed limits and true polar wander) and the evolutionary pulse and the beginning of the Phanerozoic. (email: jmeert@ufl.edu)
- Dr. Ray Russo works on tectonics and seismology with an emphasis on upper mantle flow and lithosphere-asthenosphere interactions. With students and colleagues, he is currently running a broadband seismic experiment aimed at understanding subduction of the Chile Spreading Ridge beneath the southern Andes. (email: rrusso@ufl.edu)