Up until recently seismology was the main discipline enabling the systematic study of large global earthquakes. Recent developments in space geodesy, notably in InSAR and GPS, have changed the picture, by providing complementary information on earthquake source processes and novel constraints on the earthquake cycle. Ultimately, comprehensive connections between seismology and space-based geodesy underpinned by new cutting-edge methodologies will allow us to substantially advance our understanding of both earthquakes and Earth structure. This project will develop novel frameworks combining seismology and space geodesy (InSAR and GPS) to advance earthquake and Earth structure characterization, motivated by the recent emergence of new research fields, notably GPS seismology. We will explore exciting new research avenues through the joint modelling of seismograms recorded by seismic and GPS stations globally along with InSAR images, using state-of-the-art modelling tools (including purely numerical methods) taking for the first time realistic 3D Earth structure effects into account.

The seismology group at UEA has an international reputation in the modelling, analysis and interpretation of seismic waveforms, and has built the first archive of InSAR earthquake source models with collaborators at the University of California, Riverside (UCR). This project offers the opportunity to work in an international research setting through collaboration with geodesy laboratories at UCR and/or in GeoAzur, University of Nice, France. Visits to California and/or Nice will be integral part of the work and there may be fieldwork opportunities in Peru. Moreover, the seismology group at UEA is a partner in the EU-funded Initial Training Network QUEST, which involves 15 research and industry groups in Europe (www.quest-itn.org). QUEST aims at exchanging personnel and holds regular workshops, providing excellent training opportunities. The student will receive training in seismic and geodetic data processing and analysis, wave propagation and deformation theory, in the handling of large data sets, in inverse theory and in computational methods. We seek applicants with strong quantitative skills, excellent communication skills in written and spoken English and highly motivated to work in an international team. Preferred first degrees include Physics, Geophysics, Natural Science, Mathematics Earth Sciences and Engineering.

Weston, J., Ferreira, A.M.G. and Funning, G. J. (2012) Systematic comparisons of earthquake source models determined using InSAR and seismic data, Tectonophysics, 532–535, 61–81, doi: 10.1016/j.tecto.2012.02.001 (invited review paper).

Ferreira, A.M.G., Weston, J. and Funning, G.J. (2011) Global compilation of interferometric synthetic aperture radar earthquake source models: 2. Effects of 3-D Earth structure. J. Geophys. Res., 116, B08409, doi:10.1029/2010JB008132.

Weston, J., Ferreira, A.M.G. and Funning, G.J. (2011). Global compilation of interferometric synthetic aperture radar earthquake source models: 1. Comparisons with seismic catalogs. J. Geophys. Res., 116, B08408, doi:10.1029/2010JB008131.

Ferreira, A.M.G. and Woodhouse, J.H. (2007). Source, path and receiver effects on surface waves. Geophys. J. Int., 168, 109-232. doi:10.1111/j.1365-246X.2006.03092.x.

Komatitsch, D., Ritsema, J. and Tromp, J., (2002). The spectral-element method, Beowulf computing and global seismology, Science, 298,1737-1742.