About Us

The MERC seeks to encourage collaborative research and education by supporting the scientific community with valuable geological collections and promoting interdisciplinary partnerships. Our research focuses on detailed subsurface characterization to enhance understanding of the evolution of the Mississippi fluvial system’s paleodrainage system, groundwater dynamics, seismic hazards, and fluvial-tectonic interactions within the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) throughout the Cenozoic era. Additionally, MERC investigates sedimentological responses to paleoclimatic changes from the Late Mesozoic through the Cenozoic. 

By integrating drill core data, the MERC drives innovative, interdisciplinary research across geology, geophysics, hydrology, and environmental science. These efforts provide critical insights into sustainable resource management and disaster preparedness, contributing to a deeper understanding of key geological and environmental processes essential for the long-term stewardship of the natural assets of the Mississippi embayment and the Mid-South.