Current Projects

Experiments are devised to determine the rate- and state-dependent friction laws using both rocks and transparent sliding surfaces.

How do earthquakes start? Explore earthquake nucleation experiments on the 2-meter biaxial press.

Why are some earthquake faults locked while others slowly creep? The mineralogy of the fault plays an important role in fault strength.

How do you design an experimental apparatus where rocks surfaces can slip at the speeds encountered during real earthquakes?

A drillhole that crosses the San Andreas fault at 2.7 depth deep in the earth reveals minerals with unusual physical properties.

Simulated earthquakes at very high pressures causes fault surfaces to melt and loose strength.