Research Fields

Geophysical Fluid Dynamics of the Earth's Fluid Core

Research in Dr. Aldridge's group centres on the application of laboratory studies of long-period fluid oscillations to the excitation and detection of these modes in the Earth's fluid outer core. Non-linear and viscous effects, observed in laboratory experiments but ignored in present theory for such modes, play a central role in the identification of core modes in the superconducting gravimetric data. Furthermore, coupling between fluids and their containers has suggested the use of VLBI (Very Long Baseline Interferometry) as a tool to detect core oscillations and initial results from our analysis of some NGS/NOAA data appear promising.

Photogrammetry

Dr. Armenakis’ research interests are in the areas of rapid and on-time mapping and monitoring methods and technology using imaging and ranging data. Current research areas include: a) the development and use of low-cost unmanned aerial mapping systems (UMAS) and mobile mapping systems for rapid mapping, monitoring and tracking to explore their potential and reliability in operational environments; and b) the development of methods and technology for spatial feature extraction, terrain modelling and spatio-temporal change detection and extraction from imaging and ranging data using photogrammetric, remote sensing and GIS methods.

Global Navigation Satellite Systems

Dr. Bisnath's research interests centre about the use of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs), most notably GPS, for a multitude of precise positioning and navigation applications. Specific application areas include crustal deformation monitoring, precise orbit determination, and precise positioning of offshore platforms. This research requires development of positioning algorithms, which include filters, functional models, stochastic models, and prediction models to mitigate physical affects. Recent algorithm research has focused on improving the robustness of precise point positioning, and extending the range of single-baseline, real-time kinematic (RTK) GPS.

Geographical Information Systems

Dr. Cheng is interested in spatial analysis of earth and environmental systems. His research group is involved in the development and application of geographical information systems (GIS) for mineral exploration and natural resources assessment. Current research projects include: (1) Development of GIS Integrated Stochastic and Multifractal Techniques for Spatial and Dynamic Modelling and Prediction of Mineral Deposits and Water Resources; (2) fractal/multifractal modelling of resolution dependence of remote sensing and geographic data; (3) Spatial/Spectrum/Multifractal analysis for pattern recognition; and (4) Graphic Interfaced Programming in VB, VC++ and Active X.

Remote sensing

Dr. Hu's research interests include canopy reflectance modelling, deriving biophysical parameters of forest canopies from remote sensing data, hyperspectral remote sensing, image processing, and photogrammetry.

Geodynamics and Mantle Convection

Dr. Jarvis' research interests lie in the field of Geodynamics. He employs computer intensive numerical models to study the temperature and velocity fields in the solid outer 3,000 km of the Earth's interior. This research addresses the problem of the driving force for plate tectonics and continental drift. Numerical studies of the causes and consequences of continental collisions, aggregation and dispersal form a part of this research. It involves the use of microcomputers, UNIX workstations and supercomputers.

Methodologies for Optical Earth Observations

Dr. John Miller is engaged in research related to the use of physical models for the quantitative interpretation of high spectral resolution digital image data from airborne and satellite sensors. Research methods involve the use of field spectrometers, solar radiometers, and airborne digital data collection with the Compact Airborne Spectrographic Imager (CASI), with image analysis using hyperspectral image analysis software. Problems investigated include: atmospheric correction of image data to surface reflectances, interpretation of water colour spectra in terms of constituent concentrations and extraction of forest canopy information on biochemical constituents and canopy architectural parameters.

Dynamics of the Earth as Observed by Geodetic Techniques

Dr. Spiros Pagiatakis is interested in the dynamics of the Earth, both in global and regional/local scales, as observed by geodetic techniques. On-going research includes the determination of the glacial isostatic adjustment signature from more than 50 years of terrestrial gravity observations in Canada and GRACE gravity mission level-2 data. Research interests also expand in the area of physical geodesy, and in particular in the determination of the geoid (local and global scales) and of the sea surface topography. Other research activities include the study of the response of the Earth to ocean tide loading, spectral methods and their application to the analyses of superconducting gravimeter (GWR), Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) and GPS time series.

Global Earth Dynamics and Space Measurement Techniques

Dr. Smylie is interested in global earth dynamics and space measurement techniques applied to geophysics. Ongoing work includes studies of the long period oscillations of the Earth's fluid outer core, and their detection through Very Long Baseline Interferometric techniques and superconducting gravimeter data. Modes which exchange angular momentum with the solid parts of the Earth appear in the new, very accurate VLBI measurements of the spin rate, polar motion and nutation. Other modes register as small gravimetric signals. The new Canadian gravimeter facility and data from collaborating installations around the globe is used in this research.

Remote Sensing and Geodynamics

Dr. Szeto's current research focuses on remote sensing. In particular he explores efficient mans of interpreting Synthetic Aperture Radar data. His interests of longer term standing lie in global geophysical phenomena, especially those pertaining to the solid inner core and fluid outer core. These include (1) the role of the inner core in geodynamics theory, (2) dynamical motion of the inner core, (3) how core structure influences the Earth's rotation, nutation and wobble. Potential students should have an affinity towards physics, mathematics and computing.

Integrated Navigation and High Accuracy & Precision Engineering Surveying

Dr.-Ing. Wang's research interests centre about the applications of Integrated Navigation and High Accuracy & Precision Engineering Surveying. Good example for Integrated Navigation is multi-sensor systems, the core of modern direct-georeferencing systems that integrate the GNSSs, Inertial sensors, and any other positioning & orientation sensors available. The research in this area innovates and develops advance algorithms including error modeling, Kalman filtering, robust filtering, system simulation, hardware integration, and real-time & post-processing SW development. High Accuracy & Precision Engineering Surveying engages special engineering surveying applications such as deformation monitoring and industrial surveying.