Dr. Martha-Cary Eppes (Missy)
Dr. Martha-Cary Eppes (Missy)
Professor of Earth Sciences
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Address:
Dr. M. C. Eppes
G&ES UNC Charlotte
9201 University City Blvd. Charlotte, NC, 28223

Office: 308 McEniry
Phone: 980-785-3388
Email: meppes@uncc.edu

Links

  • Department of Geography & Earth Sciences

Research

My research focuses on surface processes and landscape evolution. It combines geology, soil science, geomorphology and fracture mechanics. I use the theory and methods of all of these disciplines to explore past and modern processes affecting the surface of the Earth.

Soil Geomorphology.  What is that? Well, soil geomorphology consists of a community of geologists who study soils and weathering in the context of landscapes, geology and surface processes within the ‘critical zone’ the part of Earth that spans vegetation down to unweathered bedrock. We use our understanding of the weathering of rock and sediment to open doors to understanding Earth’s surface. This weathering perspective is critical to the correct interpretation of everything from deposit ages to ‘soil production’ – the conversion of bedrock to dirt – rates that are derived from cosmogenic radionuclides. For example, we use observations of weathering to evaluate the erosion history or stability of a hillslope. We examine how weathering affects hydrologic propoerties of sediment or rock. We use weathering observations to determine the last time that a fault trace ruptured.

Natural Rock Fracture as it relates to Surface Processes. The physical breakdown of rock is key to all subseqent surface processes. Yet, the actual cracking processess of rock have been largely overlooked in surface processes literature. In particular, I have been exploring how subcritical crack growth processes play a role in mechanical weathering (see Eppes & Keanini, 2017). Subcritical crack growth occurs as very low stresses and has been recognized as an important contributor to cracking by engineers and geophysicists. Geomorphologists have largely ignored the potential role that these processes play in weathering. Through field data collection, modeling and instrumentation, I am shedding light on this important new paradigm for mechanical weathering on Earth and other planets.

Recent and Active Research Topics

 Rock fracture in Antarctica

Mechanical Weathering by Climate Dependent Subcritical Cracking

Monitoring thermal Stress Weathering using acoustic emissions

Rock weathering and bedrock channels

 Physical Weathering on Mars

The influence of rock fracture mechanics on 10Be-Derived Erosion Rates for bedrock outcrops in Shenandoah National Park, VA.

Physical Weathering in Humid Temperate Climates

Post Glacial Soils and Landscape Evolution in Subalpine western United States

Hillslope soils and processes, San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Soil Chronosequences, terraces and alluvial fans of the piedmont of the Carolinas

Exploring the origins and evolution of exfoliation domes.  Including ongoing cracking in Twain Harte, CA.

Find more on ResearchGate

Prospective Students and Post Docs: My advisees primarily execute field- or lab-based research that involves one or more of the following basic components: fracture analyses, field mapping of Quaternary deposits and landforms, field soil and/or mechanical weathering analysis, lab soil and/or weathering analysis, GIS analysis of topography or cracking data. Data collected serve to answer questions related to mechanical weathering processes, active tectonics, landscape evolution, Quaternary paleoclimate or ecology. Please call or email for more information. I would love to talk to you about my active research projects or about your own research interests.

Current Opening US Citizen Post-Doc for Women and Underrepresented groups. Annual Deadline in November. 

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