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.
Research
Our group conducts research in several directions:
- Tectonic history of the passive continental margins (Gulf of Mexico, Northern Atlantic, Tyrrhenian Sea)
- Crustal structures of the Cascadia subduction zone
- Intraplate Seamounts in the central Atlantic
- Geophysical studies in Nebraska
UNL Spring Research Fair, 2019
UNL Geophysics team in June 2021
UNL Summer Research Symposium, August 2023
UNL Geophysics team, Spring of 2025
The students of the UNL Geophysics team present their results at professional meetings (visit Publications), 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. View a list of past NAS meetings' talks and UNL Research Fair posters and talks.
2025 Nebraska Academy of Sciences annual meeting (145th)
| 2025 | K. Steinauer, I. Filina, Monitoring irrigation and recharge in Nebraska’s aquifers with repeated gravity surveys (award) |
| 2025 | H. Lofton, A. Salman, T. Onyebum, I. Filina, Refining sedimentary and crustal thickness maps of the Northern Atlantic Ocean from legacy seismic reflection and refraction data (award) |
| 2025 | T. Onyebum, I. Filina, F. Loreto, Integrated Geophysical analysis and 2D modeling of tectonic and crustal structures across the Tyrrhenian Sea |
| 2025 | E. Stowell, I. Filina, Exploring the tectonic evolution of the Kolbeinsey Ridge via integrated geophysical analysis of a propagator wake series |
| 2025 | A. Salman, M. Madsen, I. Filina, Integrated geophysical analysis of seamounts, propagator wakes and pseudofaults in Southern Cascadia |
| 2025 | A. Mayeesha, K. Steinauer, I. Filina, Geophysical analysis of conjugate Greenland and Voring margins |
| 2025 | Z. Clowdus, I. Filina, Continental or Oceanic? Modeling the crust beneath the Greenland-Iceland-Faroe ridge |
| 2025 | A. Salman, T. Onyebum, A. Mayeesha, E. Stowell, I. Filina, Bridging Academia and Industry: UNL Geology students in the 2025 SEG EVOLVE Program |
Near-Surface Geophysical Surveying in Nebraska
Drone-based magnetic surveying
Gravity surveying
Seismic refractions
GPR survey
Geophysics classes
Dr. Filina teaches these courses. Descriptions available in the Undergraduate Catalog.
| Course ID | Course title | Description | Semester offered |
GEOL 441/841 (former GEOL 344) | Geophysics | Geophysical techniques to study the Earth: seismology, gravity, magnetics and heat flow. | Spring 2026 |
| GEOL/METR 453/853 | GIS in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences | Basic principles of ArcGIS | Spring 2026 |
| GEOL 497/897 | Economic & Exploration Geology (E.F. Schramm Course) | Field trip to Iceland | Summer 2026 |
| GEOL 442/842 and GEOL 443/843 | Environmental Geophysics I and II | Various geophysical methods for environmental applications. Include data acquisition, processing and interpretation. | projected for Fall 2026 |
| GEOL 445/845 | Advanced Geophysics | Integrative analysis of geophysical data (gravity, magnetics, seismic) with geological information (well logs, tectonic history, etc.) | projected for Fal 2027 |
| GEOL 446/846 | Exploration Geophysics | Geophysical 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 |
| GEOL 947 | Seminar in Geophysics | An essential seminar for students conducting research in Geophysics. | projected for Fall 2028 |
| GEOL 498/898 | Field Methods in Geophysics | Collecting multiple geophysical datasets in Nebraska with instrumentation from UNL Geophysics Lab; data processing and interpretation | Was offered in Fall 2019; please let me know if you are interested in this class |
| GEOL 498/898 | Basin Analysis | Principles and application to petroleum play assessment | Will be offered if there is enough interest from students seeking a petroleum-oriented career. Please let Dr. Filina know if you want this class! |