# Improved Techniques to Map Continental Mantle Earthquakes to Study the Extent of Indian Lithosphere beneath the Tibet Plateau

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Stanford University (CA) · $228,903

## Abstract

Continental drift and plate tectonics lead to continental collisions.  The collision process forms the Himalaya, Earth’s highest mountain range, and many mineral deposits including those in new copper mines under development in southern Tibet.  Consequently, study of Earth’s only large active continental collision, between India and Asia, offers societally important outcomes. Understanding the geologic processes of continental collision allows better targeting of the mineral deposits needed to maintain U.S. economic leadership, whether copper for a more secure grid or rare-earth elements for stronger magnets. Understanding a modern continental collision yields transferable knowledge to understand the ancient continental collisions preserved in the geology of the United States. This project will develop and apply new techniques to understand the way India collides with Asia, mapping earthquakes that locate where India lies at depth directly beneath Tibet and hence where direct interaction between the two continents can create mineral deposits.  The locations of earthquakes will help distinguish between two possibilities for the location of former Indian continent beneath Asia. United States economic success also requires a trained workforce, and this NSF grant will enable outreach to expand middle-school student participation in STEM subjects. The project will also provide research opportunities and training for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students.  

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## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2516186
- **Awardee organization:** Stanford University (CA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** HJD6G4D6TJY5
- **PI:** Simon L Klemperer
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** NATIONL EARTHQK HZRD REDCT PRG
- **Estimated total:** $228,903
- **Funds obligated:** $228,903
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 08/15/2025 → 07/31/2027

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2516186

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2516186, Improved Techniques to Map Continental Mantle Earthquakes to Study the Extent of Indian Lithosphere beneath the Tibet Plateau. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2516186. Licensed CC0.

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