This research area investigates the structure and dynamics of the deep Earth, from its crust to its core. Seismic waves generated by distant global earthquakes, are used to study wave propagation by applying tomographic methods that are similar to medical imaging techniques. These yield information about the chemical and thermal state of the Earths crust and mantle and the tectonic processes that operate deep within the Earth that are responsible for the growth and deformation of continents and oceans. In addition to global-scale seismic imaging investigations of the Irish and European lithosphere using locally deployed seismic instruments are also undertaken. A permanent array of seismic instruments is also deployed across Ireland to monitor seismic activity on land and the surrounding offshore. One particular focus of this global research theme is the North Atlantic lithosphere between western Europe and eastern North America. This is strongly related to and complimentary to the Marine Geophysics research theme.
GLOBAL TOMOGRAPHY
Seismic stations around the world record the tiny vibrations of the Earth’s surface caused by earthquakes thousands of kilometers away. Recordings of these vibrations (seismograms) enable seismologists to perform seismic tomography, or 3D imaging of the Earth’s deep interior. This image below shows variations of seismic velocities at a 100-km depth in the Earth’s mantle. High velocities indicate low temperatures, most noticeable within the cold, thick tectonic plates of the ancient cores of continents (cratons). Low velocities indicate high temperatures or partial melting of the rock, such us beneath the mid-ocean ridges where new oceanic crust is formed.
Some recent research by DIAS Geophysics scientists, with major impact internationally:
Schaeffer, A. J. and S. Lebedev, Global shear-speed structure of the upper mantle and transition zone. Geophys. J. Int., 194 (1), 417-449, 2013. doi:10.1093/gji/ggt095 [Link]
Ireland Array is a new array of broadband seismic stations deployed across Ireland by DIAS Geophysics The backbone component of the array is formed by 20 stations, equipped with Trillium 120PA seismometers and distributed uniformly across Ireland. These 20 stations have been installed in 2010 – 2012 and will be deployed for 5 years. Deployments of additional 15 stations (each with a Guralp 40T seismometer) are used to complement the backbone-component coverage and to target fine structure of the subsurface in specific target areas.
Ireland Array is a major new geophysical facility, producing abundant seismic data. It will reveal Ireland’s deep structure and evolution in unprecedented detail. Ireland Array will also underpin geothermal energy research by illuminating in detail the structure of Ireland’s crust and entire lithosphere. New insight into 3-D regional lithospheric structure and evolution will also benefit basin-evolution research, relevant for hydrocarbon exploration. Yet another target of Ireland Array will be Ireland’s seismicity, modest but insufficiently understood at present. Ireland Array invites collaborations with Earth scientists in Ireland, as well as abroad, and is aimed to benefit the entire community. For more details click here.
Earthquakes were very much concentrated on the intra-caldera shallow trapdoor fault system. Through the inflation-deflation syscle, the 'sinuous ridge' within the caldera grew by 1.5 m relative to the caldera floor Retweeted by
DIAS Geophysics
A pot of lava at the end of the rainbow? A #rainbow forms over Halema‘uma‘u crater following an afternoon rain shower on February 22. #Rainbows are often observed over #Halemaumau, as mist and rain move across the Kīlauea #caldera. #Kilauea2021Retweeted by
DIAS Geophysics
Dr Melissa A Pfeffer & Dr Sara Barsotti from IMO carried out gas measurements in Reykjanes. Despite the ongoing seismic swarm for the last 24 hrs, no increase of gases was detected. Another field campaign is being prepared & the area is under strong surveillance. #EUROVOLCRetweeted by
DIAS Geophysics
Grand day for a master class from Florian Le Pape on the @dias_geophysics ocean bottom seismometers.
We'll be deploying these as part of the @iCRAGcentre survey led by Andy Trafford & Shane Donohoe @ucddublin to develop a fibre-optic approach for offshore site investigation Retweeted by
DIAS Geophysics
An example of selected schools for @AtSeismo are inviting students from nearby schools to share earthquake-related knowledge, thanks to high-motivated students and teachers. Good to see knowledge is transferring into the community.
@SubediShiba1seismoschoolnp.orgRetweeted by
DIAS Geophysics
Earthquake swarm began this morning close to Fagradalsfjall. An M5.7 earthq. occurred at 10:05 many aftershocks followed. Info will be updated when activity has been reviewed further. Activity is within the Reykjanes peninsula. Other locations of large earthquakes are unreliable. Retweeted by
DIAS Geophysics
A seismic swarm is shaking the Reykjanes peninsula, the volcano-tectonic episode close to Grindavík is still ongoing. Several earthquakes of ~M5 have taken place for the past hour. The 10:05 earthquake has been calculated Mw5.65. en.vedur.is/earthquakes-an…Retweeted by
DIAS Geophysics
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Global and Local Seismology
This research area investigates the structure and dynamics of the deep Earth, from its crust to its core. Seismic waves generated by distant global earthquakes, are used to study wave propagation by applying tomographic methods that are similar to medical imaging techniques. These yield information about the chemical and thermal state of the Earths crust and mantle and the tectonic processes that operate deep within the Earth that are responsible for the growth and deformation of continents and oceans. In addition to global-scale seismic imaging investigations of the Irish and European lithosphere using locally deployed seismic instruments are also undertaken. A permanent array of seismic instruments is also deployed across Ireland to monitor seismic activity on land and the surrounding offshore. One particular focus of this global research theme is the North Atlantic lithosphere between western Europe and eastern North America. This is strongly related to and complimentary to the Marine Geophysics research theme.
GLOBAL TOMOGRAPHY
Seismic stations around the world record the tiny vibrations of the Earth’s surface caused by earthquakes thousands of kilometers away. Recordings of these vibrations (seismograms) enable seismologists to perform seismic tomography, or 3D imaging of the Earth’s deep interior. This image below shows variations of seismic velocities at a 100-km depth in the Earth’s mantle. High velocities indicate low temperatures, most noticeable within the cold, thick tectonic plates of the ancient cores of continents (cratons). Low velocities indicate high temperatures or partial melting of the rock, such us beneath the mid-ocean ridges where new oceanic crust is formed.
Some recent research by DIAS Geophysics scientists, with major impact internationally:
Schaeffer, A. J. and S. Lebedev, Global shear-speed structure of the upper mantle and transition zone. Geophys. J. Int., 194 (1), 417-449, 2013. doi:10.1093/gji/ggt095 [Link]
To download the SL2013sv model [Link]
IRELAND ARRAY
Ireland Array is a new array of broadband seismic stations deployed across Ireland by DIAS Geophysics The backbone component of the array is formed by 20 stations, equipped with Trillium 120PA seismometers and distributed uniformly across Ireland. These 20 stations have been installed in 2010 – 2012 and will be deployed for 5 years. Deployments of additional 15 stations (each with a Guralp 40T seismometer) are used to complement the backbone-component coverage and to target fine structure of the subsurface in specific target areas.
Ireland Array is a major new geophysical facility, producing abundant seismic data. It will reveal Ireland’s deep structure and evolution in unprecedented detail. Ireland Array will also underpin geothermal energy research by illuminating in detail the structure of Ireland’s crust and entire lithosphere. New insight into 3-D regional lithospheric structure and evolution will also benefit basin-evolution research, relevant for hydrocarbon exploration. Yet another target of Ireland Array will be Ireland’s seismicity, modest but insufficiently understood at present. Ireland Array invites collaborations with Earth scientists in Ireland, as well as abroad, and is aimed to benefit the entire community. For more details click here.
Geophysics
Irish scientists were members of an international research team that recorded the first-ever detailed description of a volcanic eruption in Ecuador. @griffin_caitlin reports irishexaminer.com/news/arid-4023… Retweeted by DIAS Geophysics
Caldera resurgence during the 2018 eruption of Sierra Negra volcano, Galápagos Islands go.nature.com/3kAti7p Retweeted by DIAS Geophysics
Lead up to volcanic eruption in Galapagos captured in rare detail | Penn State University news.psu.edu/story/649350/2… Retweeted by DIAS Geophysics
Earthquakes were very much concentrated on the intra-caldera shallow trapdoor fault system. Through the inflation-deflation syscle, the 'sinuous ridge' within the caldera grew by 1.5 m relative to the caldera floor Retweeted by DIAS Geophysics
Have a look at our latest Galapagos research out now in @NatureComms! Great work by @AndyFBell leading this multidisciplinary effort and putting everything together! nature.com/articles/s4146… Retweeted by DIAS Geophysics
The #Galapagos volcanoes have done it again: #SierraNegra2018, an eruption featuring amazing deformation, seismicity and everything else. I contributed with #InSAR data but @AndyFBell @volcano_dr @IGecuador et al. have brought it home! nature.com/articles/s4146… Retweeted by DIAS Geophysics
@DIAS_Dublin #DIASdiscovers
Happy to see our research #SierraNegra2018 eruption published. Glad to work with @AndyFBell @IGecuador @dias_geophysics @Volcan_Ecuador @sarahjjjaye @marco_bagnardi @MikeJ_Stock @hernarado nature.com/articles/s4146… Retweeted by DIAS Geophysics
New paper out today in @NatureComms on the Sierra Negra volcano, Galápagos. It was wonderful to be part of such a great multidisciplinary team including @AndyFBell @volcano_dr @IGecuador @marco_bagnardi @Volcan_Ecuador @hernarado @sarahjjjaye @MikeJ_Stock nature.com/articles/s4146…
Not all volcanoes are created equal!🌋New multidisciplinary paper out today showing that pre-eruptive processes in Galapagos are very different to Iceland/Hawaii! Great to work with @AndyFBell @volcano_dr @IGecuador and others! @tcddublin @GeosciencesEd ➡️nature.com/articles/s4146… Retweeted by DIAS Geophysics
Pleased that our paper on the 2018 eruption of Sierra Negra in the Galápagos is out today. Very much an multidisciplinary team effort, including @volcano_dr @IGecuador @marco_bagnardi @dias_geophysics @Volcan_Ecuador @hernarado @sarahjjjaye @MikeJ_Stock nature.com/articles/s4146… Retweeted by DIAS Geophysics
A pot of lava at the end of the rainbow? A #rainbow forms over Halema‘uma‘u crater following an afternoon rain shower on February 22. #Rainbows are often observed over #Halemaumau, as mist and rain move across the Kīlauea #caldera. #Kilauea2021 Retweeted by DIAS Geophysics
Lava fountains, pyroclastic flow and lightning during the latest paroxysmal eruptive episode at #Etna, 24 February 2021 Retweeted by DIAS Geophysics
Dr Melissa A Pfeffer & Dr Sara Barsotti from IMO carried out gas measurements in Reykjanes. Despite the ongoing seismic swarm for the last 24 hrs, no increase of gases was detected. Another field campaign is being prepared & the area is under strong surveillance. #EUROVOLC Retweeted by DIAS Geophysics
Grand day for a master class from Florian Le Pape on the @dias_geophysics ocean bottom seismometers. We'll be deploying these as part of the @iCRAGcentre survey led by Andy Trafford & Shane Donohoe @ucddublin to develop a fibre-optic approach for offshore site investigation Retweeted by DIAS Geophysics
An example of selected schools for @AtSeismo are inviting students from nearby schools to share earthquake-related knowledge, thanks to high-motivated students and teachers. Good to see knowledge is transferring into the community. @SubediShiba1 seismoschoolnp.org Retweeted by DIAS Geophysics
Earthquake swarm began this morning close to Fagradalsfjall. An M5.7 earthq. occurred at 10:05 many aftershocks followed. Info will be updated when activity has been reviewed further. Activity is within the Reykjanes peninsula. Other locations of large earthquakes are unreliable. Retweeted by DIAS Geophysics
A seismic swarm is shaking the Reykjanes peninsula, the volcano-tectonic episode close to Grindavík is still ongoing. Several earthquakes of ~M5 have taken place for the past hour. The 10:05 earthquake has been calculated Mw5.65. en.vedur.is/earthquakes-an… Retweeted by DIAS Geophysics
Results from the real-time #GPS #analysis from station SENG 12km SW of the epicenter of the Mw5.65 #earthquake this morning at 10:05 local time showing 3cm southward motion. #EUROVOLC #volcanichazard #volcanicrisk #volcanos Retweeted by DIAS Geophysics
Elodie Kendall (Postdoc in Geodynamic Modelling Section @GFZ_Potsdam) shares with us recent work on the mantle structures that could explain the Indian Ocean Geoid Low #EGUBlogs @EuroGeosciences blogs.egu.eu/divisions/gd/2… Retweeted by DIAS Geophysics