Ben Belzer

I’m a laboratory manager and researcher in the LDEO Rock and Ice Mechanics Lab. My research focuses on using methods in experimental rock deformation, structural geology, and geochemistry to understand brittle deformation processes, earthquake mechanics and hazards, and chemical and physical interactions between rocks and fluids. Applications range from subduction zone fault slip and fluid transport to geologic carbon storage and geothermal energy extraction.

Fields of Interest

Rock deformation and rheology, earthquake processes, soil mechanics, low-grade metamorphism, carbon mineralization

Education

PhD, Earth Science, Rice University, 2023

BS, Geology, University of Maryland, 2016

Belzer, B. D., M. E. French, N.J. Phillips (2025). K-metasomatic weakening of oceanic crust at shallow subduction depths: Evidence from the Rodeo Cove thrust zone, Marin Headlands, California, Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems.

Belzer, B. D. and M. E. French (2024) Path and slip dependent behavior of shallow subduction shear zones during fluid overpressure, Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth.

Belzer, B. D. and M. E. French (2022) Frictional constitutive behavior of chlorite at low shearing rates and hydrothermal conditions, Tectonophysics.

Phillips, N.J., B. Belzer, M. E. French, C. Rowe, K. Ujiie (2020) Frictional strengths of subduction thrust rocks in the region of shallow slow earthquakes, Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth.

Xing, T., W. Zhu, M. E. French, B. Belzer (2019) Stabilizing effect of high pore fluid pressure on slip behaviors of gouge-bearing faults, Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth.