I am currently a doctoral student with the Structural Geology & Tectonics group at ETH Zürich (defense in Summer 2021). My research combines field and structural geology with microstructural observation, geochronology, geochemistry, and geophysical analysis to characterize and investigate deformation along the subduction interface shear zone, providing key insights into seismic styles in modern subduction zones, mass and volatile recycling, and controls on seismic velocities. The research below is conducted in conjunction with my advisor, Dr. Whitney Behr, and the rest of the Structural Geology and Tectonics Research Group at both ETH Zürich and the University of Texas at Austin.

Underplating processes in a fossil subduction zone

Although geophysical and geomorphologic evidence from modern subduction zones indicate underplating downdip of the subduction megathrust, the processes are poorly constrained. I leverage field geology, geochronology, and geochemistry to characterize emplacement of the Condrey Mountain Schist, an exhumed a subduction complex in northern California, and use this rock record data to provide constraints on: mass and volatile recycling, interface rheology, and geophysical observations in modern subduction zones.

Learn more in our article with GCubed.

Transient and steady-state rheology of the subduction interface shear zone

Using rock record evidence from the Condrey Mountain Schist, I am constraining subduction interface shear zone rheology to better understand the steady-state and transient deformation it hosts. The rock record, combined with geophysical and experimental data, can provide key insights into processes generating enigmatic seismic and aseismic transient deformation in modern subduction zones. I use structural and microstructural analysis to determine the rheology of the subduction interface as preserved in a fossil subduction zone.

This work is in conjunction with a larger project that assess subduction interface dynamics from shallow to deep and includes field research in Syros, Greece and the Chugach Complex, Alaska. For more details on the rest of the project, please visit the Structure and Tectonics Group website.

Rock record constraints on geophysical observations of modern subduction zones

Modern subduction zones have zones of anomalous seismic velocities that may represent the subduction interface shear zone. I use evidence from the Condrey Mountain Schist to estimate seismic velocities of a fossil subduction interface shear zone and compare to modern observations.

Learn more in our preprint with GRL.