Research in Tectonic Processes and Natural Hazards focuses on
integrating field investigations, laboratory analysis, and computational
modeling to tackle the problem of deformation and change in the
continental lithosphere on time scales ranging from short-term
earthquake events to long-term tectonic deformation processes, and for
spatial scales ranging from microstructures, visible under electronic
microscopes, to the tectonic, continental scales. Primary faculty: Atkinson, Jiang, Shcherbakov, and Tiampo Dr. Gail Atkinson (Research Webpage) Dr. Atkinson’s research group examines earthquake hazards and
ground motions, with special emphasis on seismicity and ground motions
in Eastern North America, and in the Cascadia subduction zone of British
Columbia. Her Engineering Seismology Toolbox Laboratory, funded by the
Canadian Foundation of Innovation, contains six SUN workstations
hosting seismic data analysis software and the laboratory website,
www.seismotoolbox.ca. The
group interacts with earthquake engineers through the NSERC-funded
Canadian Seismic Risk Network. This strategic network includes dozens
of researchers in earth sciences and civil engineering at universities
across Canada, working towards the common goal of assessing and
mitigating earthquake hazards and risk.
Dr. Dazhi Jiang (Research Webpage) We use deformation structures and fabrics preserved in rocks
to unravel the tectonic evolution of orogenic belts and to constrain the
long-term rheology of the continental crust. Field mapping of critical
areas are combined with laboratory microstructural analysis and
numerical modeling to understand the kinematics and mechanics of natural
rock deformation. The Laboratory is equipped with the latest, top-end
equipment for this integrated research endeavour including: Dr. Jiang's current field research areas include the Canadian Shield, Canadian Cordillera, and East China. Dr. Robert Shcherbakov (Research Webpage) The main focus of our research is to understand the physics of
various complex nonlinear phenomena observed in nature. Such behavior
can be found at different temporal and spatial levels of organization of
natural systems and is characterized by highly nonlinear interactions
among their constituent parts and behavior far from equilibrium. The
undertaken research involves extensive computer modeling, data analysis,
and visualization. The following topics are of particular interest and
addressed in our studies: Dr. Kristy Tiampo (Research Webpage) We integrate field investigation, laboratory analysis, and
computational modeling to tackle the problem of fault systems,
earthquake dynamics, seismic ground motion, and longer term deformation
of the continental lithosphere. The computational modeling and data assimilation lab contains
twelve state-of-the-art computer workstations designed for visualization
and data analysis of large quantities of geodetic and seismic data,
attached to a multi-disk storage array with more than one terabyte of
capacity. These workstations are equipped with the latest in commercial
and academic research software designed for the analysis of geodetic
data and remote sensing images, modeling of the earthquake system using
finite element analysis and integrated computational fault models, and
includes the capability to perform parallel computing, all for the
express purpose of performing near real-time data assimilation and
inversion analysis in order to better understand the earthquake fault
system. Here we perform integrated data assimilation and analysis for
the purpose of understanding fault systems dynamics using seismicity and
geodetic and remote sensing techniques, including GPS and InSAR data
analysis. From this facility, we also operate a network of eight
continuous GPS stations located throughout southern Ontario and along
the east side of Hudson Bay. On a broader level, we study the physics
of earthquakes using numerical and computation modeling, advanced time
series analysis, and nonlinear inversion techniques. Interested!? Check out these links for further information on: Tectonic Processes and Natural Hazards
Earthquake Hazards and Ground Motions
Dr. Atkinson also leads the POLARIS (Portable Observatories for
Lithospheric Analysis and Research Investigating Seismicity) consortium,
which hosts remote seismological and MT observatories throughout Canada
(www.polarisnet.ca). Dr.
Atkinson’s current research projects include: the assessment of seismic
hazards and site response for Canadian cities; comparative studies of
ground motions in different tectonic environments; development of
ground-motion prediction equations for various regions; methods of
developing earthquake time histories for use in engineering analyses;
scenario ShakeMaps for emergency planning and response purposes; and
seismic monitoring in 3 dimensions at the Inco mine in Sudbury to
evaluate differences in ground motions at the surface to those
underground (for underground waste disposal applications).
Laboratory for Deformation Structures
Nonlinear Geophysics Modeling Lab
Computational Laboratory for Fault System Modeling, Analysis, and Data Assimilation
Research Menu
Contacts
earth-sc@uwo.ca
519-661-3187
B&GS 1026
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