Geophysics and Tectonics
The Geophysics and Tectonics (GT) Division explores the physical processes that shape the Earth, from its deep interior to the surface. Scientists and students together examine how the planet’s structure changes over time, exploring plate tectonics, earthquakes, active and ancient volcanism, and the mantle dynamics that drive these processes. Methods used include bathymetric and topographic datasets, controlled- and passive-source seismology, potential fields, remote sensing, and high-performance computing. Through fieldwork, data analysis, and numerical simulations, students investigate Earth’s dynamic systems while building skills for careers in disaster risk analysis, renewable energy, critical mineral exploration, environmental consulting, and research in Earth sciences.
Highlights of Recent and Current Research
Seismic Imaging of Mid-Ocean Ridges and Intraplate Volcanic Systems: We use active-source seismic experiments and ocean-bottom seismology to investigate the structure and evolution of the oceanic lithosphere. At mid-ocean ridges and back-arc spreading centers, our studies explore how magma supply, lithospheric stresses, and hydrothermal circulation shape crustal and mantle architecture. Our studies of intraplate volcanic systems, such as the Hawaiian–Emperor seamount chain, provide insight into how mantle melts build seafloor volcanoes, load and flex the lithosphere, and drive the long-term evolution of oceanic plates. These projects integrate large-scale field programs with advanced seismic tomography and wavefield analysis to illuminate the dynamic processes that govern volcanic and tectonic systems beneath the oceans.
Hawaiian Volcano Seismology
Since 2018, Hawaiian volcanoes have entered a new and diverse era of seismic and eruptive processes. Faculty and students in the GT division work closely with USGS scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory to understand these processes, and how they relate to subsurface magma storage and transport. Ongoing studies include seismic imaging of the crust and upper mantle along Kīlauea’s Rift Zones, seismic monitoring of the crust to track magma activity beneath the surface, and seismic source analyses to characterize any seismic energies originated from Kīlauea’s plumbing system including surface lava fountains.
Subduction Zone Science
Subduction zones represent some of the most hazardous locations on earth, producing large magnitude earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. Faculty and students at UHM research how properties of the overriding and subducting lithosphere relate to variability in the properties of these natural hazards. Specifically, two ongoing NSF-funded projects examine the Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone to better understand earthquake variability, and magma storage and transport processes across the arc using seismic imaging.
Mantle Dynamics and Oceanic Volcanism
Geophysics faculty and students in the Department are collaborating with researchers from Univ. Oregon and Univ. Rhode Island to investigate the origin of the Galapagos Islands and anomalously thick oceanic crust created at the Galapagos Spreading Center (GSC). Seismic energy recorded by an array of ocean bottom seismometers (numbered circles below) from distant earthquakes around the world is being used to produce “tomographic” images, aiming to reveal the distribution of excess heat and melt in the underlying mantle. High-performance computer simulations are testing hypotheses about the dynamical processes.
Research Divisions:
- Geophysics and Tectonics (G&T)
- Marine and Environmental Geology (MEG)
- Volcanology, Geochemistry, and Petrology (VGP)
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