GEO 3108
Geology Building
8000 Regents Drive
College Park, MD 20742

mhhuang [at] umd [dot] edu

Active Tectonics Laboratory

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My research focuses on using geodesy (measurement of Earth’s geometric shape, orientation in space, and gravitational field) and seismology to study crustal deformation related to active plate tectonics. In the Active Tectonics Laboratory, we use the techniques called Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) and GPS to measure Earth’s surface position and movement through time. We can use this technique to monitor surface movement before, during, and after earthquakes, which can tell us about Earth’s interior properties. We can also apply the same technique to monitor surface deformation related to volcanic activities, hydrologic cycles, landslide hazards, and land subsidence due to anthropogenic activities. We attempt to understand the processes behind tectonic uplift, weathering and erosion, and how different components can shape our landscape and make Earth the way we see it today.