Onshore/Offshore Seismic Imaging of the New Zealand Subduction Zone

The behaviors and processes that occur at subduction zones inform our global understanding of plate boundary interaction at a variety of scales with broad implications for plate tectonics, volatiles cycling, seismic hazard and climate. In New Zealand there is evidence for both slow slip seismicity as well as thrust earthquakes changing over a relatively short length scale. In addition, fluid release from the slab affects a range of processes including fault slip, arc magmatism and potentially mud volcanoes. The variety of processes and length scales necessitates investigation at a range of scales and sensitivities. The particular emphasis of this project will be to provide larger scale structural imaging of New Zealand. The student will use compiled and complementary onshore and offshore seismology datasets to image the subduction zone system in New Zealand at multiple scales from 10's km to 1000 km. This will complement ongoing work focused on understanding slow slip on the Hikurangi Margin. When combined the student will have data that spans both the north and south Islands.