معرفی
Thomas Herring is Professor of Geophysics and Chair of the Program in Geophysics at MIT's Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (EAPS), where he has served since 1989 after six years as a Harvard research scientist. His pioneering work in millimeter-precision geodetic methods using GPS, VLBI, and InSAR addresses critical Earth surface deformation problems globally.
Education:
- Bachelor's and Master's in Surveying, University of Queensland
- PhD in Earth and Planetary Sciences, MIT (1983)
His research integrates geodesy with geophysics to study transient deformation after earthquakes, Earth rotation variations, and structural responses of skyscrapers (>350m) to seismic/thermal stresses. He develops advanced GNSS data processing techniques and investigates low-cost multi-GNSS systems ($700 units) as alternatives to expensive equipment (> $20K), while analyzing atmospheric impacts on positioning accuracy and non-steady deformation from earthquake stress buildup.
Recent publications (2016-2018) demonstrate his focus on scalable geodetic solutions for plate boundary observatories and structural monitoring, revealing trends toward democratizing high-precision instrumentation through affordable technology while expanding applications to planetary interiors and natural hazards.
Scientific Awards:
- Macelwane Medal, American Geophysical Union (1991)
- Bomford Prize, International Association of Geodesy (1995)
- Vening-Meinesz Medal, European Geophysical Union (2007)
- Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (2013)
- Fellow, American Geophysical Union
- Fellow, International Association of Geodesy
- Fellow, European Geosciences Union
Herring leads major geodetic initiatives including the GAMIT/GLOBK software suite and Plate Boundary Observatory networks, with administrative support from Joshua Kastorf and financial management by Christine Maglio. His work directly informs NASA advisory panels and international geodetic standards committees.
His laboratory focuses on real-time GNSS data processing for earthquake response systems and structural health monitoring of tall buildings, utilizing both global networks and experimental low-cost sensor arrays to advance geophysical measurement capabilities.
