Research Projects
Geophysics & Cascadia Subduction Zone
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What if we could see the hidden forces shaping our planet? That’s the heart of my work: Geophysical Imaging—a blend of physics, mathematics, and cutting-edge technology to reveal Earth’s deepest secrets. Imagine using the principles of a giant CT scan, but for the planet itself, to uncover clues about earthquakes, tectonic movements, and the dynamic processes beneath our feet.
The Power of Geophysical Imaging
In simple terms, I use waves—like seismic signals—and advanced algorithms to create detailed 3D snapshots of Earth’s subsurface. Think of it as turning raw data into a high-definition map of the unknown. My recent focus? The Cascadia Subduction Zone, a 600-mile tectonic time bomb stretching from Northern California to British Columbia.
Why This Research Matters
The Cascadia zone hasn’t seen a megathrust earthquake since 1700, but scientists agree another is inevitable. By constructing ultra-high-resolution 3D models of this region, we’re uncovering astonishing details: hidden fault structures, fluid-rich layers, and zones of stress buildup. These insights aren’t just academic—they’re critical for understanding how and when the next “Big One” might strike, helping communities prepare for a safer future.
A Window into Earth’s Mechanics
Every pixel in these subsurface images tells a story. Does water trapped deep underground lubricate faults? How do rock types influence earthquake propagation? Geophysical imaging doesn’t just answer these questions—it transforms abstract science into actionable knowledge.
Join the Journey
Whether you’re a science enthusiast, a student, or simply curious about our planet, geophysical imaging bridges the gap between what we see on the surface and the dynamic world below. Stay tuned as we decode Earth’s hidden language—one seismic wave at a time.
Projects:
Cascadia Seismic Tomography
Cascadia gravity-magnetic modeling
Cascadia 3D Tomography
I am working to unravel the deep mysteries and uncover extreme heterogeneities of the Cascadia Subduction Zone by constructing a high-resolution 3D tomographic model. By integrating data from onshore nodal networks, offshore ocean-bottom seismometers, and broadband stations, I aim to illuminate the complex subsurface architecture of this tectonically active region. Using advanced computational techniques and linearized tomographic inversions, I investigate the subducting slab, detect velocity anomalies, and track seismic wave behavior—shedding new light on the dynamics that drive one of North America's most enigmatic fault zones.
I use active marine seismic shots from CASIE21 experiment captured in stations deployed during Cascadia2021 experiment.
See our latest article published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth (https://doi.org/10.1029/2024JB029525)
Ocean bottom seismometer deployment during CASIE21 in RV Marcus Langseth
Fairfield nodal seismometer deployment along Oregon coastal ranges during Cascadia2021
Cascadia gravity-magnetic modeling
During my Master’s program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, my research focused on understanding the tectonic complexity of the Juan de Fuca Plate and its role in the Cascadia Subduction Zone. I employed an integrated geophysical approach combining gravity, magnetic, and seismic data to identify crustal heterogeneities and tectonic structures within the subducting oceanic plate.
Gravity Modeling of Propagator Wakes:
I teamed up with Dr. Irina Filina to solve a puzzle: we built semi-3D gravity models (think of them as high-tech geologic maps) to study strange V-shaped zones in the ocean crust called propagator wakes. These form when oceanic spreading centers shift, creating cracks that spread like zippers!
Here’s the cool part: by adding data from nearby seamounts (underwater volcanoes), we discovered these wakes aren’t dense and heavy like everyone thought—they’re actually lighter! Turns out, they’re weak zones full of fractures from all that plate tug-of-war. This is significant and may explain earthquakes cluster along the Cascadia margin (hello, Pacific Northwest!).
Want the full story? Check out our paper in Tectonophysics (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0040195123004250).
Crustal Weakness and Seismicity:
I further expanded this work by integrating gravity, magnetic, and seismic reflection data to map zones of crustal weakness within the Juan de Fuca Plate. These zones, characterized by lower density and magnetic anomalies, align with observed seismic activity in the subducting slab. Additionally, I mapped seamount clusters along these zones, highlighting their role in modifying subduction dynamics and seismic behavior. This research provided key insights into the relationship between crustal structure and the non-uniform earthquake distribution along the Cascadia margin. The research has been published in Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems (https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2023GC010943).
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