Prof. Dr. Demian M. Saffer

Profile

Academic positionAssociate Professor, Senior Lecturer, Reader
Research fieldsGeophysics
KeywordsErdbeben, Subduktionszone, Tiefbohrung, Hydrogeologie, Geotechnik

Current contact address

CountryUnited States of America
CityAustin
InstitutionUniversity of Texas at Austin
InstituteDepartment of Geological Sciences, Jackson School of Geosciences

Host during sponsorship

Prof. Dr. Achim KopfZentrum für Marine Umweltwissenschaften (MARUM), Universität Bremen, Bremen
Start of initial sponsorship01/05/2010

Programme(s)

2009Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award Programme

Nominator's project description

Professor Saffer is internationally known for his work on rock physical properties and fluids at tectonic plate boundaries, including subduction megathrust faults and the San Andreas Fault. His contributions focus on both the hydrologic and mechanical behavior of these plate boundary fault systems, which give rise to many of the planet's largest earthquakes. In Germany, Professor Saffer will be working on projects designed to investigate subduction zone plate boundaries, including development of long-term borehole observatories for deployment offshore Japan to monitor processes associated with the earthquake cycle, and experimental laboratory studies to measure rock properties within and surrounding these major fault systems.