Ralph R. B. von Frese, Ph.D.

Professor (Geophysics & Geomathematics)


Dept. of Geological Sciences
The Ohio State University
125 S. Oval Mall
Columbus, Ohio 43210
U. S. A.

TEL: 614-292-5635
FAX: 614-292-7688

E-MAIL: vonfrese@geology.ohio-state.edu




(with the Hindu warrior, Mahishasura, at Myscore, India, 26 Apr. 1987)

is a Professor in the Dept. of Geological Sciences at the Ohio State University (Columbus, OH). He obtained the B.A. degree (cum laude) from Park College (Parkville, MO) with majors in physics, mathematics and German. From Purdue University (W. Lafayette, IN) he holds M.Sc degrees in physics and geophysics and the Ph.D. degree in geophysics.

His professional experience includes employment as Applied Physicist with Bayer Farbenfabriken, A. G. (Cologne/Leverkusen, Germany), Group Leader of the Underground Excavation and Rock Properties Information Center (CINDAS, Purdue University), Visiting Assistant Professor of Geophysics (Dept. of Geosciences, Purdue University), and Geophysical Consultant to petroleum, mining and environmental companies.

His University Teaching contributions include undergraduate courses in introductory geophysics and geological data analysis geology, as well as graduate courses in exploration geophysics, engineering geophysics, earth physics, and geomathematics. His research interests concern the physical properties of rocks (and soils) and the application of physical principles to geological site exploration and characterization.

His Research Activities have been primarily in the areas of rock properties, geotechnical information systems, petrofabrics, archaeological exploration by geophysical methods, regional-scale characterization and modeling of the lithosphere utilizing satellite elevation potential field data, and the development of exploration strategies for hot dry rock sites in the midcontinental US. His current research focuses on integrating satellite, airborne and surface geophysics for crustal studies. Current projects include the use of magnetic satellite (POGO, Magsat, Orsted) data for lithospheric modeling of South America, Euro-Africa, and the Arctic and Antarctic; crustal analysis of gravity anomalies derived from satellite altimetry data (GEOS-3, Seasat, Geosat, ERS-1); use of fixed-wing airborne gravity for crustal exploration; lunar crustal studies from Clementine satellite gravity, altimetry, and remote sensing data; correlation filtering of digital data, and midcontinent seismotectonics.