 Michael Ellis
Associate Research Professor
B.S. (Hons), Geology, University College of Swansea,
Wales, 1977
Ph.D. in Geology, Washington State University, 1984
Dr. Ellis' early work ranged from the measurement of finite strains in
the Canadian Rockies to the analysis of displacement variation along
thrust faults. The former provided a model for the important
observation of extension parallel to mountain belts, and the latter
was used to show that large faults are made by the linkage of
smaller ones and that thrusts probably initiate as ramps rather than
as flat faults. Since then he has elevated his research to the upper
crust, and his research interests center on the kinematics of active
deformation from both field evidence and numerical modeling.
Current research includes the generation of synthetic landscapes as a
combined function of tectonic and surface processes; relating seismic
strain along the San Andreas fault to the rate of seismicity, creep,
and to the geometry of the fault; relating earthquake mechanism to
the stress-strain field in which they are generated; field and
numerical investigation of fault interaction; and monitoring and
modeling active deformation in the New Madrid seismic zone, using
GPS and boundary-element techniques.
ellis@ceri.memphis.edu
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