Earthquake Physics

The Earthquake Physics group focuses on understanding the physics of earthquakes using numerical models, theoretical analysis and observations from natural earthquakes and laboratory experiments. We study geophysical problems on a range of scales, from earthquake-tsunami interaction in subduction zones to fracture activation in geo-reservoirs. Our research is distinguished by large-scale earthquake scenarios of unforeseen degree of realism realised on some of the largest supercomputers worldwide. We work on modern software packages for earthquake simulations ("SeisSol" and "ExaHyPE") and engage in large-scale infrastructure projects.

Animation of fault dynamics and rupture propagation in terms of slip rate over time of the 1992 Landers earthquake (Wollherr et al: "Landers 1992 "reloaded": an integrative dynamic earthquake rupture model", JGR Solid Earth). The model includes a 3D velocity structure (CVM-H), off-fault plasticity and visco-elastic attenuation.