Title: "Monitoring Earth's Dynamic Surface: Unveiling Climate-Induced Phenomena
and Volcanic Activities through Long-Period Global Seismic Waves in the Context of
Environmental Seismology"
Piero Poli

Application deadline: 21st of November

If interested contact as soon as possible: piero.poli@unipd.it

Project Summary:
The Earth's surface is undergoing rapid and profound changes, many of which are directly
linked to climate change. These transformations are particularly evident in remote
regions like Greenland and Antarctica, where the effects of a warming planet manifest
dramatically. Rapid glacial movements, which can trigger
destructive tsunamis and seiches, along with extraordinary underwater volcanic
eruptions in places such as Mayotte and Tonga, showcase the growing urgency to
understand these climate-induced events and their potential risks.
Seismic waves, generated by both climate-driven processes and volcanic activities,
are a powerful tool for unlocking the complex physical mechanisms behind these
events. Environmental seismology is uniquely positioned to provide real-time insights
into the impacts of climate change and the mitigation of related risks by continuously
monitoring seismic activity on a global scale.
In this PhD project, we will harness 30 years of continuous global seismological data to
identify new signals linked to climate and volcanic phenomena. By focusing on long-
period global seismic waves, we aim to pinpoint and catalogue previously unrecognized
events associated with significant surface changes, such as glacial mass shifts and
volcanic eruptions. Furthermore, through advanced physical modeling, we will explore
the dynamics of these events, estimating critical parameters such as the mass of
ice involved and the forces driving these processes.
Ultimately, this research will significantly enhance our understanding of the Earth's
surface dynamics in the face of accelerating climate change and the growing risk
of volcanic hazards. By identifying key seismic signals and modeling their impacts, we
contribute vital knowledge to mitigating climate-related risks and improving
preparedness for future environmental challenges.