Photograph by Gerry Smith                                                                                                                                                Photograph by Travis Nelson

Dr. Jacobi’s research integrates several sub-disciplines in order to understand fault systems in intracratonic regions, and to understand how to characterize and describe fracture systems. Jacobi integrates GIS-based

• structure
• stratigraphy and sedimentology (Also of interest is the Stratigraphy and Paleontology Research Group page)
• seismic
• well log analyses
• gravity and magnetics
• lineaments from remote sensing

with other aspects studied by the UB Rock Fracture Group, including:
• Soil gas (Fountain/Nelson)  
• Fracture aperture (Fountain)
• Contaminant migration along fractures (Becker)
• Shallow seismic (Baker)
• Neotectonics (Tuttle)

Practical applications of these integrated research projects have included:

1. defining seismically-active fault systems in regions of potential radioactive waste disposal,
2. fault and fracture identification in regions of proposed landfill sites, and in regions of contaminant transport,
3. understanding fault and fracture dynamics in the Retsof Mine, NY collapse (formerly the largest salt mine in the world) and in the Solvay Mine, WY
4. definition of fault and fractures in salt storage caverns
5. oil and gas exploration
6. gold exploration
7. Mapping the Appalachian Plateau for USGS and NYSGS under EDMAP and STATEMAP

This research effort is presently funded at over $1 million. (Click here to view a list of the current RESEARCH PROGRAMS). Jacobi’s MA and PhD students (Click here to view a list of the students in the program) all participate in these research programs. Weekly seminars and trips in the field promote cross-fertilization among projects and students.

                                             Photograph by Gerry Smith                                                                                                      Photograph by Travis Nelson