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Faculty Profile

Mark A. MeierMark A. Meier

Professor
Department of Physics

Office: Science & Research 1, 605A
Contact: mameier@central.uh.edu - (713) 743-6195

Education: Ph.D., The University of Texas at Austin, M.S., The University of Texas at Austin, B.S., The University of Tulsa

Google Scholar Profile

Dr. Mark A. Meier is presently active in the field of new seismic measurement and techniques. He and his colleagues are developing several highly promising technologies to enable active seismology exploration at frequencies two or more octaves below present-day commercial capabilities. Active seismic measurements at these frequencies also need to be accompanied by development of new seismic data analysis, imaging and inversion methods that can make effective and optimal use of the new frequency band. Existing methods are built on assumptions that, though perhaps reasonably met in the conventional frequency band, may be detrimentally violated in the new frequency band. Theory and development of seismic wave propagation in complex media is a fundamental component of the work. Solid state and plasma physics are also involved in the seismic transducer development. The design and fabrication of working experimental prototypes involves leading edge engineering skills. Rigorous experimental methodology is essential to designing field experiments that, using the new experimental prototypes, will provide clear and explicit tests and support scientific conclusions. Advanced data analysis methods are also key to the research.

Figure

When completed, the counter rotating eccentric mass seismic vibrator will be capable of delivering 400 kN ground force down to a frequency of one hertz. Observations with these frequencies will reveal and teach us many new things about the earth.

Figure

The marine dipole concept allows us to safely produce low frequency seismic waves in the marine environment. The principles have been experimentally tested and verified using this laboratory scale prototype.

Figure

A new transducer concept which responds directly to pressure gradient without measuring pressure is under development. The underlying principle is theorized from a combination of solid state and plasma physics.

  • Theory for a low frequency marine dipole seismic source
    MA Meier, RE Duren. Journal of Seismic Exploration 25 (3), 285-298, 2016.
  • Low frequency seismic acquisition using a counter rotating eccentric mass vibrator
    MA Meier, SE Heiney, J Tomic, P Ibanez, CN Byrne. US Patent 9,310,499, 2016.
  • Resonant transducers for solid-state plasma density modulation
    GA Hallock, MA Meier. Review of Scientific Instruments 87 (4), 04490, 2016.
  • A marine dipole source for low frequency seismic acquisition
    MA Meier, RE Duren, KT Lewallen, J Otero, S Heiney, T Murray. SEG Technical Program Expanded Abstracts 2015, 176-180, 2015.
  • Low Frequency Seismic Acquisition Innovations Approaching One Hertz
    MA Meier, K Lewallen, J Otero, S Heiney, T Murray. Offshore Technology Conference, 2015.

Organizations, Outreach, Boards, Memberships

  • Editorial Board, Journal of Seismic Exploration
  • Society of Exploration Geophysicists
  • Geophysical Society of Houston
  • American Geophysical Union
  • American Physical Society
  • Division of Plasma Physics
  • Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
  • IEEE Nuclear and Plasma Sciences Society
  • Fusion Power Associates