Active Tectonics and Volcanism

We study tectonic and magmatic systems from plate boundaries to individual volcanoes, and across time scales from seconds to millions of years. Active plate boundaries pose major hazards through earthquakes and eruptions. Our neotectonics research examines strain across convergent and divergent boundaries, including strain partitioning, and earthquake and rifting cycles, improving regional hazard assessments. We combine geophysical, geochemical, and petrologic data to investigate magmatic systems and their interaction with tectonics, including magma storage, migration, and eruption precursors to understand the triggers of volcanic eruptions.

Working Area

We research active tectonic and magmatic systems in Central America with a focus in Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama, South America with a focus in Ecuador and the basaltic volcanoes of the Galapagos Islands, and Iceland.

Methods

We develop geodetic (GNSS) networks across active plate boundaries and magma-volcanic systems, in addition to using sattelite remote sensing observations, and uncrewed aerial vehicles.