Exploring how fault zones evolve during the earthquake cycle using satellite, field, and experimental observations
Roland Burgmann, Professor
Earth and Planetary Science
Applications for Spring 2025 are closed for this project.
Earthquakes are influenced by the properties of faults. Our ability to characterize fault zones and determine how they impact earthquakes is limited. The goal of this project is to perform a multiscale analysis of the rock surrounding faults and explore how it may impact how faults slip and generate earthquakes. This project will use InSAR, ground-based LiDAR and photogrammetry, and rock mechanics experiments explore how fault zones form. The study is focused on fault zones from southeastern California at Ridgecrest (near Death Valley National Park) and Landers (near Joshua Tree National Park). Research will include analysis and visualization of 2D and 3D models of fault zones, and processing and analysis of Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar experiments.
Role: Running LiDAR and photogrammetry software and GIS to process and analyze 2D and 3D models of fault zones. Running MATLAB codes to process and analyze data and high-speed imagery from Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar experiments.
Qualifications: Physical science or engineering background. Some experience with MATLAB and GIS is preferred but not necessary.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Zachary Smith, Ph.D. candidate
Hours: to be negotiated
Related website: https://eps.berkeley.edu/people/roland-bürgmann
Mathematical and Physical Sciences