We’re discovering new things about the Earth every day. We record new data and delve a little deeper to make new discoveries.

One area that lacks data is Bhutan. Situated next to Nepal in Asia, Bhutan has never had detailed geophysical data collected before.

Dr. Kevin Mickus, distinguished professor of geology, is trying to fix that.

Each year, Mickus treks to Bhutan to do a gravity survey of part of the country. His first year was western Bhutan. Last year was central, and this year was eastern.

Mickus hopes to use his gravity data to determine the crustal structure under the Himalayas.

“Knowing the crustal structure will aid in determining the origin of the mountains,” Mickus said.

This year Mickus was there for four weeks, along with Kinzang Duba, a Bhutan native and a master’s student at Missouri State University. Mickus is his thesis adviser.

If funding is secured, Mickus will head to Bhutan again next year.