Project title
Giant megathrust earthquakes: structural and sedimentary controls on tsunamigenic shallow slip
Project abstract
Subduction zones are well known for hosting Earth’s largest megathrust earthquakes and associated tsunamis. These events cause devastating economic losses in coastal regions. For instance, the 2011 Mw 9.0 Tohoku-Oki earthquake offshore Japan and associated tsunami resulted in approximately $235 billion in damage and over 20,000 fatalities. The tsunami, which locally exceeded 40 m in height, overwhelmed tsunami-defence systems and caused severe damage. Bathymetric data reveal significant seafloor displacement (> 50 m) near the trench axis following the earthquake (Fujiwara et al., 2011)
This PhD project combines 2D/3D seismic reflection data with IODP/IODP3 logging and core data to investigate the key controls on giant earthquakes and shallow slip in subduction zones, and to understand the structural and sedimentary characteristics of the Japan Trench.