Research Overview

My primary research interest is in understanding how the physical characteristics of an ascending magma, as well as its method of ascent, are coded into geophysical expressions of volcanic unrest, particularly changes in local crustal stress and associated earthquake activity. I am also interested in the structure and evolution of volcanic conduit systems. Detailed analysis of high-frequency seismicity recorded during episodes of volcanic activity forms the basis of my research, the goal of which is to understand how various magmatic processes, such as crack propagation and dilation in response to magma flow, conduit blockage, and rheological stiffening, are reflected in the characteristics of high-frequency seismicity, including earthquake rates, locations, and focal mechanisms. I test and develop hypothesized physical relationships between magmatic processes and changes in local stress and seismicity, based on patterns observed in seismological studies, through numerical modeling of local fault response to magmatic processes under a wide range of physical conditions. Additionally, I also perform forward modeling of high-quality seismic datasets to provide a more detailed understanding of mechanical processes acting in and around particular volcanic systems. The final major component of my research is the development and implementation of a framework for the interpretation of changes in high-frequency seismicity and local stress field orientation at restless volcanoes in terms of processes occurring in the volcanic conduit system. This work involves the development of practical tools for analyzing seismicity and stress orientation during crisis situations, including techniques for both the collection and analysis of high-frequency seismic data.