Research CentersEarth Resources Laboratory
The Earth Resources Laboratory (ERL) brings together faculty, staff, and students dedicated to research in applied geophysics and geology that will further our understanding of the Earth, its resources, and the environment. The research activities at ERL focus on subsurface imaging and characterization with an emphasis on prediction of heterogeneity and the movement of fluids in petroleum and geothermal reservoirs as well as groundwater in the near surface. The major areas of research at ERL include seismic wave propagation, reservoir characterization (including borehole acoustics, logging, imaging, and lithologic analysis), environmental geophysics (including electrical methods and electroseismic techniques), geodynamics (including earthquake seismology, crustal deformation studies using GPS, and reservoir dynamics monitoring), and stratigraphic analysis (including field studies and physical and numerical models of sedimentation processes). ERL has two computer clusters on site for large-scale numerical modeling and inversions, one is a 24-node PC cluster, and the second is a 142-node cluster that is part of the MIT 500-node ACES system. ERL also operates an ultrasonics and rock physics laboratory and an environmental geophysics laboratory. ERL, founded by Professor M. Nafi Toksöz in 1982, has developed an outstanding reputation in all aspects of applied geoscience research. The Lab's current Director, Professor Robert van der Hilst, brings a new perspective in Earth imaging to ERL which merges cutting edge passive and active source methods. ERL has produced some of the most successful scientists in the field with graduates holding prestigious positions in industry, academia, and government research labs. |
