Professor Dr. Seth Saltiel

Biography

Seth Saltiel is an Assistant Research Professor at Cornell Engineering, specializing in experimental geophysics. His research focuses on the frictional seismic behavior of geological interfaces and shear boundaries, which are crucial for understanding dynamic earth processes that have societal significance. His work encompasses applications related to tectonic faults that control continental-scale deformation and earthquakes, as well as glacier beds that influence mass balance and future sea-level changes. Additionally, he studies fractures that control permeability and induced seismicity in subsurface energy, water, and waste reservoirs. By conducting lab-scale measurements, he aims to constrain the physics underlying new observations that improve constitutive relations used in large-scale models. Seth is passionate about bridging experimental developments with novel field techniques to illuminate the mechanics of key geological problems. His research highlights the importance of connecting lab-scale insights with field observations and encourages collaboration across scientific disciplines to predict and manage interactions within critical earth systems.

Research Interests