Current Research
Research projects span from the dynamics and mechanics of the lithosphere to inference and estimation problems. Applied mathematics, computation science, and data-driven analysis are fundamental to all of our work.
Qued
An overriding theme is much of our work is the dynamics of earthquake activity, including the process in which faults are loaded both in the long interseismic period leading-up to an earthquake, and the immediate postseismic period and how faults slip either during earthquake or in non-seismogenic creep. In collaboration with Prof. Becky Lange, we are also modeling the thermal evolution of the crust in volcanic settings, investigating the conditions that might prime the crust for an effusive volcanic eruption, like a supervolcano eruptions. Our work spans several time and space scales, and is both data- and theory-driven. More details on our work on the earthquakes, volcanism, and lithosphere studies can be found here:
Sichuan, China earthquakes
The 2008 Wenchuan earthquake ruptured over 200 km of the Beichuan fault, which is at the transition from the Sichuan basin to the Longmen Shan, and the Tibet plateau further to the east.
Pie
This graduate level course is co-taught with Prof. Nathan Niemi, and focuses on the deformation of the lithosphere. Prof. Niemi covers the geological aspect, which Prof. Hetland covers the dynamics aspects. Continuum mechanics and fluid dynamics are integral to the material treatment. Specific topics include, but are not limited to: geodetic methods, finite strain, dislocation theory, paleoseismology, critical wedge theory, isostatic adjustment/rebound, Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities, lithosphere strength and plate flexure.