KU News Release

Kansas Geological Survey geophysicist receives award

LAWRENCE — Jianghai Xia, a senior scientist at the Kansas Geological Survey, based at the University of Kansas, has been recognized by an international organization of geophysicists for his extensive research accomplishments and published works.

Xia received the Harold Mooney Award in November at the annual meeting of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists in Las Vegas.

Geophysics is the study of the physical properties of the Earth, including its electrical, gravitational, magnetic, radioactive and seismic characteristics.

Xia’s research focuses on near-surface seismology, in which noninvasive techniques are used to produce, measure and analyze seismic (sound) waves that travel through the upper several hundred feet of the Earth. Near-surface geophysics research has many practical applications related to geology, groundwater, energy resources, natural resources, mining, environmental hazards, engineering and archaeology.

Xia has been at the Kansas Geological Survey since 1986 and has co-authored more than 60 articles. He also is associate editor of the journal Near Surface Geophysics and guest editor of the Journal of China University of Geosciences.

Xia is the second Kansas Geological Survey scientist to win the Mooney award. KU geophysicist Rick Miller was given the award in 1995.

The Society of Exploration Geophysicists is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the science of geophysics and the education of applied geophysicists. Founded in 1930, it has more than 30,000 members in 129 countries. The Harold Mooney Award is presented by the organization’s Near-Surface Geophysics Section.

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