
Navin Thapa
Graduate Doctoral Researcher
CERI, University of Memphis
At the Earthquake Physics Lab, our work spans various aspects of seismology, including fault slip dynamics, frictional properties, and seismic energy radiation. A key component of my research involves studying laboratory earthquakes, which show structural similarities to natural fault systems in the upper crust and generate seismic event statistics comparable to real-world seismicity.
I integrate theoretical, numerical, and experimental approaches to explore fundamental earthquake processes, with a particular focus on:
- Fault Gouge Composition & Repeating Earthquakes: Investigating how different fault gouge materials influence recurring seismic events and fault creep. Since repeating earthquakes originate from the same fault patch, they exhibit identical source mechanisms and highly similar waveforms.
- Pore Pressure & Seismic Frequency-Magnitude Distributions: Examining the role of fluid pressure variations in laboratory fault zones and their impact on the frequency-magnitude distribution and b-value, which provides insights into fault stress conditions and seismic hazard assessment.
Beyond traditional earthquake physics, I am passionate about leveraging cutting-edge technologies, including machine learning and automation, to real-world challenges in seismic monitoring and energy sustainability. By integrating AI-driven seismic analysis with physical earthquake models, my work contributes to the development of smarter, data-driven solutions for energy production and seismic hazard mitigation.
Updates
Completed National I-Corps Program hosted by Mid South as part of the National Science Foundation's I-Corps program
Attended pyRATES: Python and R Analysis of Time SerieS at Del Rey, CA FROG: A workshop in science pratice and publishing
Attended SCOPED Workshop 2024: CyberTraining for Seismology in University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. Present Posteron Community Seismic Network in the Apaneca-Ilamatepec-Coatepeque Volcanic Complex in El Salvador.
News and Impact feature on UofM Division of Research and Innovation for building new seismic network around Santa Ana volcano, El Salvador during the fall of 2023 in collaboration with El Salvador
Research in a minute series spolight of the Dr. Thomas Goebel and Earthquake Physics Lab as the most active and accomplished researchers across various disciplines at the University of Memphis.
Presented Poster on "Does b-value Increase with Higher Pore Pressure?" at AGU Annual Meeting 2023, San Francisoco.
Visited El Salvador for setting up seismic network for volcano seismicity.
Attended second CERI annual field trip to southern california, May 15-19, 2023.
Joined Earthquake Physics Group at CERI led by Dr. Thomas Goebel.
Featured in University of Memphis
Shaking Up Earthquake Research with Purpose and Innovation
This spring, I was honored with the Top 30 Under 35 Award during the Graduate Student Association's Award Ceremony at the University of Memphis. The article highlights my research in geophysics, focusing on understanding fault mechanics and seismic patterns, particularly in relation to human activity and geothermal energy development.
My work combines experimental seismology and statistical analysis, with recent findings presented at AGU 2024 and a first-author manuscript published to Geophysical Research Letters.
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