The Morphodynamics and Quantitative Stratigraphy group at the Department of Earth System Sciences, Yonsei University seeks to advance our understanding of stratigraphic responses to sediment transport processes and imposed boundary conditions in depositional basins. The morphodynamics of the sediment-fluid interface is influenced by both depositional mechanics and environmental controls. Subsurface architecture is a record of the "fossilized" dynamics of this moving boundary. Our research focuses on improving tools for predicting subsurface spatial architecture across a range of scales by linking sediment transport and surface flow dynamics to their time-integrated preservation in depositional systems.

To achieve this, we conduct laboratory experiments to study sedimentation over space and time scales that are often inaccessible in the field, using experimental data to motivate and constrain theoretical models of morphodynamics and depositional patterns. We also apply insight gained from physical and mathematical models to field data, enhancing interpretation of paleoenvironments through the stratigraphic record. In addition, our group integrates remote sensing techniques to analyze terrestrial and planetary surface processes, expanding our research into planetary surface sciences and enabling comparisons between Earth and extraterrestrial sedimentary systems.