UNL Geophysics Group

Geophysics rocks

The Geophysics Research Group exists at the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences since August 2016. Unlike many other geophysical research programs that focus on the application or development of a single geophysical method, our group, led by Dr. Irina Filina, utilizes the integrative approach in geophysical data analysis. We are looking for the answer (i.e. the geological model of the subsurface) that fits ALL available geophysical data and remains geologically valid. The data we use include seismic (reflections, refractions, earthquakes), gravity and magnetics both from public domain sources, as well as acquired by our own instruments.

Geophysics students

Research

Our group conducts research in several directions (more details here and here):

  • Tectonic history of the passive continetal margins (Gulf of Mexico and the Northern Atlantic)
  • Crustal structures of the Cascadia subduction zone
  • Intraplate Seamounts in the central Atlantic
  • Geophysical studies in Nebraska
UNL Spring Research Fair, 2019

UNL Spring Research Fair, 2019

UNL Geophysics team in June 2021

UNL Geophysics team in June 2021

UNL Summer Research Symposium, August 2023

UNL Summer Research Symposium, August 2023

The students of the UNL Geophysics team present their results at professional meetings (see here), and at the local venues as well. The UNL Geophysics team receives the Best Student Awards at the annual meetings of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences (NAS) every year starting 2017. A list of past NAS meetings' talks is here and UNL Research Fair posters and talks are listed here.  

 2024 Nebraska Academy of Sciences annual meeting

2024K. Steinauer, I. Filina Using a relative gravimeter to measure seasonal fluctuations in Nebraska’s groundwater levels, Proceedings of 144th annual meeting of Nebraska Academy of Sciences  One of three best student awards
2024Z. Clowdus, I. Filina, An integrated geophysical approach to studying the crust of the Greenland-Iceland-Faroe Ridge, Proceedings of 144th annual meeting of Nebraska Academy of Sciences One of three best student awards
2024M. Madsen, I. Filina, Two newly identified propagator wakes in the Southern Cascadia,  Proceedings of 144th annual meeting of Nebraska Academy of Sciences
2024H. Lofton, E. Stowell, Z. Clowdus, I. Filina, Mapping sedimentary thickness in the Northern Atlantic Ocean from legacy seismic reflection data. Proceedings of 144th annual meeting of Nebraska Academy of Sciences

 

Near-Surface Geophysical Surveying in Nebraska

Drone-based magnetic surveying

Drone Based Magnetic Surveying

 

Integrated Geophysical Studies

Gravity surveying

Gravity surveying

 

Gravity surveying

Seismic refractions

Integrated Geophysical Studies

 

Seismic refractions

GPR survey

GPR survey

 

GPR survey

Geophysics classes
 

Dr. Filina teaches the following courses:

Course IDCourse titleDescriptionSemester offered

GEOL441/841

(former GEOL344)

Geophysics

Geophysical techniques to study the Earth: seismology, gravity, magnetics and heat flow.Fall 2023, Fall 2024
GEOL/METR/453/ 853

GIS in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

Basic principles of ArcGISFall 2023, Fall 2025
GEOL442/842 and GEOL443/843

Environmental Geolphysics I and II

Various geophsyical methods for environmental applications. Include data acquisition, processing and interpretation.Spring 2025
GEOL445/845

Advanced Geophysics

Integrative analysis of geophysical data (gravity, magnetics, seismic) with geological information (well logs, tectonic history, etc.)Spring 2024
GEOL446/846Exploration GeophysicsGeophysical methods used for petroleum exploration: potential fields, seismology, electrical and electromagnetic surveying.The class will be offered if there is enough interest from students with an industry-focused career path. Please contact Dr. Filina
GEOL947Seminar in GeophysicsAn essential seminar for students conducting research in Geophysics.offered regularly, next one is planned for Fall 2024

GEOL498/898

Field Methods in Geophysics

Collecting multiple geophysical datasets in Nebraska with instrumentation from UNL Geophysics Lab; data processing and interpretationWas offered in Fall 2019; please let me know if you are interested in this class

GEOL498/898

Basin Analysis

Principles and application to petroleum play assessmentWill be offered if there is enough interest from students seeking a petroleum-oriented career. Please let Dr. Filina know if you want this class!