Earth and Planetary Sciences ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 5-16-2025

Abstract

There are many outstanding questions in seismology and plate tectonics that remain unresolved due to the complexity of seismic wave propagation, fault system evolution, and sedimentary-tectonic interactions. In this dissertation, I analyze seismic and acoustic data to improve event discrimination, understand strain partitioning along a transpressive plate boundary, and investigate the influence of tectonic deformation on sedimentary processes. Using seismic arrays, I assess the detectability of Ground Coupled Airwaves (GCA) generated by shallow borehole explosions and earthquakes, demonstrating that GCA detections are highly dependent on source type, environmental conditions and sensor distribution. Along the Queen Charlotte Plate Boundary, I analyze multichannel seismic reflection data to characterize fault system evolution, revealing that strain partitioning is strongly influenced by geometric fault irregularities and transpressive deformation is accommodated by blind thrust faults via fault-related folding. Lastly, I investigate how preexisting tectonic features influence sediment transport and deposition, showing that tectonic control on slope morphology governs sediment retention and bypass processes.

Degree Name

Earth and Planetary Sciences

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences

First Committee Member (Chair)

Lindsay Lowe Worthington

Second Committee Member

Brandon Schmandt

Third Committee Member

Eric Lindsey

Fourth Committee Member

Waureen Walton

Keywords

Seismology, seismoacoustics, tectonics, infrasound, crust, deformation

Document Type

Dissertation

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