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National Security Earth Science Group

Evaluation and monitoring to support our national security

The National Security Earth Science group uses geophysics to understand the subsurface and near-surface of the Earth, specifically in regard to explosion mechanics.

This group advances national security through integrated research in underground explosion dynamics, geophysical monitoring, and geomechanical modeling. By combining field experimentation, advanced sensing, data science, and high-performance computing, the group develops cutting-edge capabilities to detect, characterize, and predict subsurface phenomena. Their work supports global monitoring, stockpile stewardship, and broader applications in seismic hazard, energy, and remote sensing. There are three teams within our group

  • Containment Science Team

    The Containment Science team applies a combination of geophysics, radiochemistry, ground coupling, cratering, ground shock, subsurface fluid flow, and tracer monitoring to develop the country’s understanding of how explosions act underground. The team’s capabilities include large field experiment design and execution, supporting stockpile stewardship and test bed development.

  • Geophysical Explosion Monitoring Team

    The Geophysical Explosion Monitoring team uses geophysical signatures to address challenges in seismic hazards and national security, including efforts to better understand and monitor nuclear testing activity worldwide. To support this mission, the team advances data science and geophysical techniques through local experiments, global datasets, legacy data, and advanced modeling and simulation.

  • Geomechanics Team

    Our research uses state-of-the-art numerical methods to better understand and characterize geomechanical processes and geologic materials. We develop and apply sophisticated numerical methods and advanced computing techniques to analyze and predict the mechanical and physical behavior of rocks, soils, and other geological material. Our work plays a crucial role in the fields of remote sensing, energy, and national security.

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