MEET THE SCIENTIST Dunyu Liu is a computational geoscientist at the University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG), and the first official hire to support computational science activities across UTIG. A seismologist by training, Liu is helping build bridges between geophysical research and high performance computing. In 2008, when Dunyu Liu was an undergraduate, a… Continue Reading Dunyu Liu: Computational Geoscientist
Seismologists search for new earthquake data in suddenly silent world
With cities around the world in lockdown, scientists could take advantage of the sudden drop in background seismicity to investigate fault zones near urban centers. UTIG research scientist associate, Rob Porritt, helped the Houston Chronicle investigate exactly what’s going on, and how useful that might be in Texas.
Eclectic Rocks Influence Earthquake Types
New Zealand’s largest fault is a jumble of mixed-up rocks of all shapes, sizes, compositions and origins. According to research from a global team of scientists, this motley mixture could help explain why the fault generates slow-motion earthquakes known as “slow slip events” as well as destructive, tsunami-generating tremors. “One thing that really surprised… Continue Reading Eclectic Rocks Influence Earthquake Types
Sinking Sea Mountains Make and Muffle Earthquakes
Subduction zones — places where one tectonic plate dives beneath another — are where the world’s largest and most damaging earthquakes occur. A new study has found that when underwater mountains — also known as seamounts — are pulled into subduction zones, not only do they set the stage for these powerful quakes, but also… Continue Reading Sinking Sea Mountains Make and Muffle Earthquakes
Scientist Profile: Demian Saffer
In August, The University of Texas at Austin hired Demian Saffer to be the new director of the University of Texas Institute for Geophysics. His full time appointment as UTIG’s director begins Jan. 1, 2020. According to Demian Saffer, geophysics is more than a scientific pursuit. It’s a solution. “If you want to know whether there’s… Continue Reading Scientist Profile: Demian Saffer