HIGP seismologists use passive and active seismic data to constrain local and regional seismic structure and to study earthquakes. These results are integrated to obtain a better understanding of crustal and upper mantle structure, to improve geodynamic models, and to understand the processes that cause earthquakes in specific regions.
HIGP researchers are currently investigating the tectonic and volcanic processes that generate Hawaiian earthquakes and are also involved in imaging the crust and upper mantle at the Hawaiian islands and elsewhere. Some example studies include:
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The PLUME Experiment.
The multidisciplinary Plume-Lithosphere Undersea Melt Experiment (PLUME) consisted of two temporary deployments of ocean bottom seismometers and a concurrent deployment of land seismometers. Using recordings of large, teleseismic earthquakes, we can image the deep interior beneath Hawaii and study the patterns of mantle flow and melting that generates the Hawaiian hotspot.
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Hawaiian Earthquakes.
All earthquakes in Hawaii ultimately result from the underlying processes that build the volcanoes. In collaboration with the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, we study the patterns deeper mantle earthquakes, many of which are generated by volcano loading and lithospheric flexture. We are currently working to better understand the magnitude 6.7 Kiholo Bay earthquake in 2006 that occured at 39 km depth. We also collaborate with geodesists to study "slow earthquakes" and triggered seismicity on the flanks of Kilauea. Recently, we have expanded into the study of a swarm of long-period earthquakes beneath Mauna Loa volcano that likely reflect resonance of a deep (45 km) magma conduit that fed a crustal intrusion at shallower depth.
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For more information on seismology at HIGP contact:
Cecily Wolfe.
Text and images courtesy Cecily Wolfe and HIGP.
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