This $153,335 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation's Geosciences Program (CFDA 47.050) supports collaborative research at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) to understand the dynamics of frictional interfaces in systems like fault lines and ice sheets. The research aims to directly observe the coupled processes controlling the nucleation, slip, and stability of these interfaces by conducting experiments on transparent ice samples using advanced imaging and acoustic sensing techniques. The goal is to gain fundamental insights into the mechanisms driving the evolution of frictional interfaces, which could improve modeling and prediction of hazards like earthquakes and ice sheet collapse. This 3-year project will involve a graduate student researcher and collaboration across three institutions. The outcomes are expected to advance scientific knowledge in geophysics and provide critical data to assess and mitigate societal risks associated with these natural hazards.
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