PhD opportunities at the University of Utah

The University of Utah is advertising two funded PhD opportunities in seismology in the Department of Geology and Geophysics.  We are seeking motivated students interested in using passive seismic imaging methods to study earth crustal structure related to volcanic and earthquake hazards. For volcanic hazards, we are particularly interested in imaging the magmatic plumbing systems of the active Hawaii and Yellowstone volcanoes. And for seismic hazards, we aim to establish accurate basin models in California and Utah that are critically important for regional seismic hazard assessment. Various seismic techniques will be used to achieve research goals including ambient noise interferometry, surface wave and body wave tomography, teleseismic receiver function, etc.

For volcano hazards, we have a recently funded NSF project to investigate magma emplacement and storage in the rift zones of Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii.  Deployment of over 150 temporary seismometers on Kilauea volcano took place in the summer of 2024 and additional deployments are planned in 2025.  The main goals of this project are to understand (1) the fine structures of the Mauna Loa and Kilauea rift zones and the differences between the two, (2) the relation between the fine structures and their volcano-tectonic settings, as well as the relation between the fine structures and the frequency and intensity of rift zone eruptions, (3) the post eruption changes and constraints on rift zone healing and cooling of the magma plumbing system, and (4) the long-term evolution of the Kilauea East Rift Zone. For seismic hazards with projects supported by various funding agencies (e.g. NSF, USGS, and SCEC), we will deploy and analyze dense seismic arrays to collect data within metropolitan basins within California and Utah. By inverting all available seismic data and other geological and gravity constraints, we aim to construct accurate 3D basin models where the sediments within could amplify the ground shaking significantly. These basin models will be used to update the community velocity models (CVMs), which are critical for accurate ground motion prediction for various earthquake scenarios. The models will also be used to investigate the geometry and slip of the adjacent faults and the tectonic evolution of the basins.

To apply for graduate admission at the University of Utah, please follow this link: https://earth.utah.edu/students-graduate/index.php

For inquiries, please contact Prof. Jamie Farrell (jamie.farrell@utah.edu) and/or Prof. Fan-Chi Lin (FanChi.Lin@utah.edu) for more details.