Joel Brown

Geophysics PhD Student

Office: MG 208
Phone: (406) 370-1775
email: jbrown@cgiss.boisestate.edu

Education:

- B.A. in Physics/Astronomy from The University of Montana
- M.S. in Geology from The University of Montana


Research: 

My current projects include (1) measuring the density gradient of the
upper 80 m of snow in the percolation zone of Greenland with GPR
(2) using multi-offest radar to accurately estimate Snow Water
Equvalent of seasonal snowpack in the Intermountain Northwest
(3) imaging englacial hydrologic features within temperate mountain
glaciers





















Skiing with Leah and Odin






Past/ongoing Research:

Identifying and tracking the time variability of a radar transparent layer within a temperate valley glacier

I am working on a project focusing on a the time variability of a radar-transparent layer within Bench Glacier, Chugach Mtns., A.K.  I have spent two seperate field seasons on Bench collecting radar traces.  This project is an extension of my master's thesis project.
Poster for Fall 06 AGU

Measuring the densification rate of snow and firn in the percolation zone of Greenland

I measured the density of the upper 80 m of the percolation zone of Greenland. I collected multiple sets of CMP gathers from which I determined the EM propagation velocity in the subsurface for various layers. I used these velocities to calculate the density profile. Further details of this project are in the following poster:
Poster for Fall 07 AGU
Greenland percolation zone presentation

Mapping the spatial variations of the magnetic field intensity of an archeological site

I mapped the spatial variabiliy of the intensity of the magnetic field of a 118 acre archeological site in Southwestern Montana (0.5 - 1 m transects!).  The information I gathered, processed, and interpreted is currently being used by the BLM to determine the proto-historical relevance of the site in order to determine if it will be considered a national historical site and be federally protected.