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Professor,
Geology 876 Natural Science Complex North Campus Office: NSC 717 Email: mfs@geology.buffalo.edu Voice: 645-6800 ext. 3984 Fax: 716-645-3999 |
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Research
Statement
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| My current research concentrates on two projects. One project involves modeling rapid mass-flows at volcanoes (pyroclastic flows, avalanches, and mud flows) for hazard mitigation. This work, supported by NSF, combines mathematical modeling, field studies, and use of geographic information systems. This research has three main thrusts: 1) Developing realistic simulations of geophysical mass flows; 2) Integrating data from several sources, including simulation results, remote sensing data, and GIS data, and 3) Extracting, and organizing information for scientists and decision-makers involved in risk management in a convenient visualization and communication mode. The other project, funded by NASA, involves understanding volcanic hazards using remotely sensed data and presenting the results in a mode that will be most useful for several types of end users. This work has several tasks: 1) Mapping the spatial distribution of volcanic products. 2) Determining the absolute and relative ages of key volcanic events. 3) Understanding the eruptive history and spatial migration of volcanic activity. 4) Constructing a probabilistic volcanic hazard model for the frequency and magnitude of the eruptive activity. 5) Relating the geometry of vents in a volcanic field to the prevailing tectonic regime in the region. 6) Evaluating volcanic hazards and develop a hazard maps. 7) Incorporating information into an interactive database. |