Plain-English explanation
NSF’s Structure and Physics of the Solid Earth Program supports fundamental research on dynamical processes that evolve Earth’s structure and underpin geohazards, across scales from the core to the crust. It encompasses structural geology, tectonics, and geophysics using laboratory, field, theoretical, and computational studies. Strong fit depends on a clearly framed fundamental solid-Earth question, an explicit connection to the stated scope, and eligibility through a qualifying U.S. nonprofit research organization or accredited U.S. institution of higher education. Formal review criteria, proposal-format rules, deadlines, and individual award ranges are not supplied in this packet and should be confirmed in the official materials.