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
Articles about earthquake research and scientists at the University of Texas Institute for Geophysics. For more information contact costa@ig.utexas.edu
Frictional Properties of Natural Fault Rocks Explain Slip
In a new Nature Geosciences paper, Im, Saffer, Marone, and Avouac report on computer models that incorporate laboratory measurements from natural fault rocks to study fault slip and rupture behavior. They show that the frictional properties of these natural fault rocks can explain the spectrum of slip behavior observed on tectonic faults that spans from… Continue Reading Frictional Properties of Natural Fault Rocks Explain Slip
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