Ever wish you could peek inside the earth? Dr. Kevin Mickus, distinguished professor in the geography, geology and planning department at Missouri State University, does just that. He recently received $82,803 from the National Science Foundation to purchase a gravity meter to expand the scope of his research.

Mickus has traveled worldwide studying geophysics and mapping the interior of the earth. In both Africa and Antarctica, Mickus has recorded gravity readings, trying to determine the origin of the East African Rift and volcanic eruptions.

“A gravity reading tells us something about the gravitational attraction at that point,” said Mickus. “One reading is not going to tell you anything, or very little. What you need to do is take a bunch of readings and compare them.”

With the use of his new gravity meter, Mickus plans to continue his research, but also to expand to a previously undocumented area, Bhutan in the Himalayan Mountains.

Mickus’ research was also previously shared in Mind’s Eye.

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