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UTIG Seminar Series: Pascal Audet, University of Ottawa
Start:March 1, 2019 at 10:30 am
End:
March 1, 2019 at 12:00 pm
Location:
PRC ROC Room 1.603
Contact:
Constantino Panagopulos, costa@ig.utexas.edu, 512-471-0160
View Event
Speaker: Pascal Audet, University of Ottawa
Host: Thorsten Becker
Title: Resolving plate structure across the seismogenic to slow-slip zone in Cascadia from onshore-offshore receiver function imaging
Abstract: Studies of the forearc structure in the Cascadia subduction zone using receiver functions have resolved structures associated with deep fluid cycling, such as the basalt-to-eclogite reaction and fluid overpressure within the subducting oceanic crust, as well as the serpentinization of the forearc mantle wedge. Unfortunately, the updip extent of the over-pressured zone, and its possible control on the transition from episodic slow slip to seismic slip, occurs offshore and is not resolved in those studies. The Cascadia Initiative (CI) has provided an opportunity to extend this work to the locked zone using teleseismic receiver functions from the deployment of a dense line of ocean-bottom seismograph stations offshore of Washington State, from the trench to the coastline. Here we calculate P-wave receiver functions using data from offshore (CI) and onshore (CAFE) broadband seismic stations. These data clearly show the various scattered phases associated with a dipping low-velocity layer that was identified in previous studies as the downgoing oceanic crust. These signals are difficult to untangle offshore because they arrive at similar times. We process receiver functions using a modified common-conversion point (CCP) stacking technique that uses a coherency filter to optimally stack images obtained from the three main scattered phases. The resulting image shows along-dip variations in the character of the seismic discontinuities associated with the top and bottom of the low-velocity layer. Combined with focal depth information of regular and low-frequency earthquakes, these variations may reflect changes in the material properties of the megathrust across the seismogenic zone in Cascadia.
Postdoc Preview: Four talks
Start:March 5, 2019 at 10:00 am
End:
March 5, 2019 at 12:00 pm
Location:
ROC 1.603
Contact:
Sam Moore, slmoore@jsg.utexas.edu
Laura Rodriguez,
The Pennsylvania State University
Thesis: “The Chemistry of Nitrogen Heterocycles in Complex Prebiotic Mixtures: Using Chemical Trends to Elucidate Plausible Pre-RNAs on the Early Earth.”
Advisor: Dr. Christopher House
Vashan Wright
Southern Methodist University
Dissertation: “Assessing Quaternary Geohazards in Hispaniola and Jamaica using Seismic, Remote Sensing and Sediment Core Data.”
Advisor: Dr. Matthew Hornbach
Carmen Atkins
University of Alabama,
Thesis: “Geochemical, Spatial, and Seismic Characterization of Microbialite Reservoir Distribution on Carbonate Ramps: A Comparison between the Jurassic Smackover and the Cambrian Wilberns Formations.”
Advisor: Dr. Marcello Minzoni
Melissa Sims
The State University of New York at StonyBrook
Simulating Meteor Impacts in the Diamond Anvil Cell’
Advisors: Dr. Timothy Glotch and Dr. Matthew L. Whitaker
UTIG Brown Bag Seminar: Ian Dalziel, UTIG
Start:March 5, 2019 at 12:00 pm
End:
March 5, 2019 at 1:00 pm
Location:
PRC ROC Room 1.603
Contact:
Kelly Olsen, kolsen@utexas.edu
Informal weekly presentations by UTIG students and researchers. Bring your lunch!
De Ford Lecture Series: Mark Jellinek
Start:March 5, 2019 at 4:00 pm
End:
March 5, 2019 at 5:00 pm
Location:
JGB 2.324
DeFord Lecture: Tamara Pico
Start:March 7, 2019 at 4:00 pm
End:
March 7, 2019 at 5:00 pm
Location:
JGB 2.324
UTIG Seminar Series: Sarah Hörst, Johns Hopkins University
Start:March 8, 2019 at 10:30 am
End:
March 8, 2019 at 12:00 pm
Location:
PRC ROC Room 1.603
Contact:
Constantino Panagopulos, costa@ig.utexas.edu, 512-471-0160
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Speaker: Sarah Hörst, Johns Hopkins University
Host: Krista Soderlund
Title: Planets in a Bottle: Exploring Planetary Atmospheres in a Lab
Abstract: From exoplanets, with their surprising lack of spectral features, to Titan and its characteristic haze layer, numerous planetary atmospheres may possess photochemically produced particles of “haze”. With few exceptions, we lack strong observational constraints (in situ or remote sensing) on the size, shape, density, and composition of these particles. Photochemical models, which can generally explain the observed abundances of smaller, gas phase molecules, are not well suited for investigations of much larger, solid phase particles. Laboratory investigations of haze formation in planetary atmospheres therefore play a key role in improving our understanding of the formation and composition of haze particles. I will discuss a series of experiments aimed at improving our understanding of the physical and chemical properties of planetary atmospheric hazes on Titan, Pluto, super-Earths, and mini-Neptunes.
Hot Science - Cool Talk "From Silent Spring to Silent Night"
Start:March 8, 2019 at 7:00 pm
End:
March 8, 2019 at 8:15 pm
Location:
Burdine Hall (BUR)
Contact:
Didey Montoya, didey@austin.utexas.edu, 5124714211
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56 years after the publication of Rachel Carson’s groundbreaking book, “Silent Spring”, we still face major impacts on our environment and our health from pesticides. Join us as one of the nation’s leading experts on the effects of agricultural chemicals on hormones, Dr. Tyrone Hayes, shares his research and unique experience as an investigative scientist.
UTIG Brown Bag Seminar: Brandon Shuck, UTIG
Start:March 12, 2019 at 12:00 pm
End:
March 12, 2019 at 1:00 pm
Location:
PRC ROC Room 1.603
Contact:
Kelly Olsen, kolsen@utexas.edu
Informal weekly presentations by UTIG students and researchers. Bring your lunch!
De Ford Lecture Series: Bette Otto-Bliesner
Start:March 12, 2019 at 4:00 pm
End:
March 12, 2019 at 5:00 pm
Location:
JGB 2.324
UTIG Seminar Series: Alexander Evans, Brown University
Start:March 15, 2019 at 10:30 am
End:
March 15, 2019 at 12:00 pm
Location:
PRC ROC Room 1.603
Contact:
Constantino Panagopulos, costa@ig.utexas.edu, 512-471-0160
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Speaker: Alexander Evans, Brown University
Host: Krista Soderlund
Title: The First Billion Years of Lunar Evolution: A Geophysical Perspective
Abstract: Although several aspects surrounding the early evolution of our Solar System remain shrouded in mystery, the Moon has recorded on its well-preserved and ancient surface much of the history of our Solar System. With accessibility and data returned from orbital and landed spacecraft, the Moon has a unique role in understanding and constraining the evolution of the planets in our Solar System, as well as the timing of its many major events. In this talk, I attempt to unravel some of the mysteries of the Moon from its surface down to its core, to reveal a new understanding of the Moon, the Earth, and the Solar System.
De Ford Lecture Series: Alice-Agnes Gabriel
Start:March 26, 2019 at 4:00 pm
End:
March 26, 2019 at 5:00 pm
Location:
JGB 2.324
UTIG Brown Bag: Dennis Tong, UTIG (PhD Talk)
Start:March 27, 2019 at 12:00 pm
End:
March 27, 2019 at 1:00 pm
Location:
PRC ROC Room 1.603
Contact:
Kelly Olsen, kolsen@utexas.edu
Informal weekly presentations by UTIG students and researchers. Bring your lunch!
This week: Dennis Tong presents his PhD defense talk!
UTIG Brown Bag: Alice-Agnes Gabriel, LMU Munich
Start:March 27, 2019 at 12:00 pm
End:
March 27, 2019 at 1:00 pm
Location:
PRC ROC Room 1.603
Contact:
Kelly Olsen, kolsen@utexas.edu, 512-471-0160
View Event
Speaker: Alice-Agnes Gabriel, Ludwig Maximilians University
Host: Thorsten Becker
Title: Dynamic earthquake rupture modeling in fluid-rich fault networks crossing space-time scales: From subduction zones to induced seismicity
Abstract: The Modeling Collaboratory for Subduction currently explores key processes at different temporal and spatial scales that are critical to subduction megathrusts. Modeling how faults slip requires generally numerical methods that span a large range of spatial and temporal scales. In subduction zones, in addition, pronounced geometric and rheological complexity needs to be accounted for.
High-resolution 3D dynamic rupture earthquake scenarios can integrate complex megathrust-splay fault geometries, high resolution topography and bathymetry, 3D subsurface structure and off-fault deformation, as demonstrated in the to-date longest (500 s) and largest (1500 km) dynamic rupture earthquake scenario of the 2004, Mw 9.1-9.3 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake and tsunami (Uphoff et al., SC’17). Physics-driven, mechanically viable interpretations can be integrated synergistically with established data-driven efforts which is specifically useful in regions lacking near-source observations.
However, initialising such models with self-consistent fault and surface geometry, fault stress and rheology, fluid pressures and subsurface lithology is challenging. This can be overcome in coupled frameworks such as developed in the ASCETE project (www.ascete.de) connecting subduction dynamics over millions of years, seismic cycling and earthquake dynamics down to fractions of a second, as well as tsunami propagation and inundation.
Earthquake dynamics in fluid-rich fault networks are also important on the much smaller scales of geo-reservoirs. Fault networks at geo-reservoir scales are inherently geometrically complex; the dynamic stress released during the rupture process interacts with multiple adjacent fractures and 3D Earth structure acting as interdependent reinforcing and inhibiting factors for rupture cascading. Physics-based modeling can explore the richness of the dynamic response of such geo-reservoirs for example of the 2017 Pohang ML5.4 earthquake, specifically focusing on geometrical and structural complexity, as a potentially segmented rupture plane and mixed faulting mechanisms.
DeFord Lecture: Brian Romans
Start:March 28, 2019 at 4:00 pm
End:
March 28, 2019 at 5:00 pm
Location:
JGB 2.324
UTIG Seminar Series: Rosie Oakes, Drexel University
Start:March 29, 2019 at 10:30 am
End:
March 29, 2019 at 12:00 pm
Location:
PRC ROC Room 1.603
Contact:
Constantino Panagopulos, costa@ig.utexas.edu, 512-471-0160
View Event
Speaker: Rosie Oakes, Drexel University
Host: Chris Lowery
Title: Towards understanding the impact of ocean acidification on pteropods, the potato chips of the ocean
Abstract: Pteropods are a group of tiny planktonic molluscs that have been hailed as the ‘canary in the coal mine’ for ocean acidification. Their thin, aragonitic shells make them susceptible to dissolution and therefore, pteropods have been the subjects of several ocean acidification studies in the last decade. Despite this, the understanding of some fundamental processes in this group, such as the factors that influence shell growth and repair, remain equivocal. In this talk I will discuss how I’ve used micro-CT scanning to show that pteropods can repair their damaged shells, and that carbonate chemistry is not the only control of initial shell growth. Only by understanding how these organisms function in the modern ocean can we lay down the foundation for their use as biological indicators of ocean acidification indicators in the future.
UTIG Seminar Series: Cornelia Rasmussen, UTIGApril, 26 2024Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AMLocation: PRC 196/ROC 1.603 Speaker: Cornelia Rasmussen, Research Associate, University of Texas Institute for Geophysics Host: Krista Soderlund Title: The Emerging Field Of Position-Specific Isotope Analysis: Applications in chemical forensics, exobiology, geo- and environmental sciences Abstract: Complex organics can be found all over our solar system and within each living thing on our planet, be it as part of its physiology or as a contaminant. However, different processes can lead to the formation of chemical identical molecules. This makes answering a number of scientific questions challenging. One example is distinguishing between biotic and abiotic molecules, hence hindering life detection on early Earth but especially on other planetary bodies, such as on Mars, Titan, Enceladus and on meteorites where organics have been detected. Moreover, tracing molecules as they move through the environment can be demanding, yet is essential in studying the flow of organic molecules as well as correlating pollutants with their source. Novel tools to address these challenges are currently being developed. Especially, the emerging field of position-specific isotope analysis is beginning to grant access to the unique intramolecular carbon (13C/12C) isotope fingerprint preserved in complex molecules. This fingerprint can be applied in various scientific disciplines, ranging from forensics to exobiology, geo- and environmental sciences, including geo health. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) has the potential to become a key player in this research area, as it allows the analysis of organics within complex mixtures, all without the need to fragment the molecule into single carbon units or the combustion of the molecule of interest. We have been developing several NMR tools that allow us to investigate the intramolecular carbon isotope distribution within various molecule classes and to test the central hypothesis that the position-specific carbon isotope distribution within complex organics depends on a molecule’s source and formation history. |
Planetary Habitability Seminar SeriesApril, 29 2024Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PMLocation: PMA 15.216B UT Center for Planetary Systems Habitability Seminar Series. See website for speaker schedule and more details: View Events Join remotely: https://utexas.zoom.us/j/94052130734 In person: Classroom 15.216B, Physics, Math and Astronomy Bldg. UT Austin, Department of Astronomy 2515 Speedway, Stop C1400 Austin, Texas 78712-1205 |
UTIG Discussion Hour: Kristian Chan - PhD Talk (UTIG)April, 30 2024Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PMLocation: ROC 2.201 |