I am a Seismologist and Modeller at GNS Science. My research focuses on earthquake source physics and fault strength evolution in relation to a range of lithospheric deformation modes, including seismic and aseismic slip events, using numerical models, theoretical analysis and observations from natural earthquakes. At GNS, I combine advance ground motion simulation techniques to understand sensitivity of ground shaking and its implications on long-term seismic hazards.
I obtained my Bachelor's and Master’s degree in Geophysics from Peking University in 2011 and 2013, respectively. After that, I moved to Canada to pursue a Ph.D. in Geoscience under the supervision of Prof. Yajing Liu and graduated in 2018. After completing my Ph.D. I joined the department of Earth and Environmental Science at Munich University in Germany as a Postdoctoral researcher.
Subduction zones mark the region where oceanic and continental plates come together at a convergent plate boundary. The interactions between plates in a subduction zone generate significant pressure and stress, which eventually result in the release of energy through seismic activity. Subduction earthquakes can lead to natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis, among others. Therefore, understanding the dynamics and hazards associated with subduction zones is crucial for assessing and mitigating the risks posed by these natural phenomena.
I am involved in developing high-performance computing toolkits for advanced simulation of Sequences of Earthquakes and Aseismic Slip (SEAS). I use triangular-mesh-based Boundary Intergral Method (TriBIE) to simulate stress and slip evolution under long-term geological loading on infinitesimal fault interface, the strength of which is controlled by laboratory-derived rate-and-state friction (RSF). By incorporating sophisticated algorithms and techniques, this model can help us better understand the mechanics behind earthquakes and assess the potential risks they pose. Moreover, it enables us to analyze and interpret seismic data more effectively, enhancing our ability to predict and mitigate future seismic events.
Seismic hazard model is important for the safety of society and people, while the completeness of seismic rate database and ground motion characterization model is limited to the relative shorter period of our instrumental period compared to the longer recurence intervals of big events. Leveraging the rapid development of numerical methods and high-performance-computing infrastructures, I focus on building forward modeling for both complex seismic source and ground shaking. The application of physics-based numerical models can enhance our ability to understand earthquake mechanisms and predict earthquake impacts.
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