Research Goals and Projects

The Caltech Surface Processes Group studies how wind and water shape Earth's spectacular landscapes from its mountain belts to coastal plains. We use a range of tools including field measurements and remote sensing of active processes, topographic analysis and dating to measure changes over geologic time, and physical and mathematical modeling.  We use these tools to develop and test theories for Earth's evolving surface, and to better read the record of Earth's history recorded in its landforms and sedimentary rocks. Our work has applied applications ranging from river restoration and debris-flow hazard mitigation, and it also has been used to understand the environmental history of other planets and moons.  

Active research questions include: Will river deltas and coastal landscapes drown due to sea level rise? How will Arctic rivers respond to permafrost thaw?  When and where did water flow across the surface of Mars?