UTIG has been active in earthquake seismology since 1972. Earthquake research is motivated in part by the concern to determine where active tectonic movement is taking place today. This involves obtaining accurate locations for small earthquakes and relating the pattern of these locations to the regional geology. UTIG scientists have often used their expertise in earthquakes and tectonics to answer questions about particular earthquakes and their implications. One recent instance was the 22 September 2003 earthquake in the Dominican Republic.

UTIG researchers have deployed ocean bottom seismographs, deployed high resolution temporary networks, analyzed seismograms collected on the Moon, and helped plan seismometers to be deployed on Mars. Members of the UTIG staff have international reputations and travel throughout the world to conduct research and present results. Since Texas has no organization with a formal mandate to provide earthquake information, members of the UTIG scientific staff regularly answer questions asked by private individuals and commercial organizations that must make decisions about construction, travel, insurance, or risk. In addition, UTIG staff members regularly field questions for television and newspaper reporters whenever a newsworthy earthquake occurs.

UTIG Projects

Modeling Earth's Interior Seismic Inversions
UTIG's Broadband OBS
Texas Earthquakes
Nuclear Test Ban Treaty