Seismology | Earthquake Physics | Automated Monitoring
I am a doctoral researcher in Seismology at the Center for Earthquake Research and Information, University of Memphis, working in the Earthquake Physics Laboratory under Dr. Thomas Goebel. My work focuses on the physics of faulting — from controlled laboratory experiments to earthquake sequences in subduction zones, volcanic systems, and Enhanced Geothermal System seismicity.
Research Focus
Fault gouge — the granular material ground between sliding rock surfaces — governs how a fault slips. I study how gouge composition controls frictional instability and the occurrence of repeating earthquakes — events that rupture the same patch repeatedly, leaving near-identical waveform fingerprints that reveal fault creep and stress cycling over time.
Fluid pressure in the subsurface is a key trigger for induced seismicity. Using controlled laboratory experiments, I directly measure how changing pore pressure shifts the frequency-magnitude distribution of acoustic emissions — providing a physical basis for interpreting b-value changes in geothermal and injection-induced earthquake sequences.
Faults in the lab obey the same statistical laws as faults in the Earth. By generating controlled slip events on rock samples, I study rupture nucleation, stress drop, and aftershock-like clustering at scales where every parameter can be measured — offering ground truth that field seismology alone cannot provide.
Safe subsurface energy production — geothermal, oil and gas, carbon storage — demands continuous, reliable seismic surveillance. I develop automated detection and classification pipelines that reduce analyst workload, improve event catalog completeness, and enable near-real-time hazard assessment for induced seismicity.
Approach
At the Earthquake Physics Lab, our work spans various aspects of seismology, including fault slip dynamics, frictional properties, and seismic energy radiation.
I integrate theoretical, numerical, and experimental approaches to explore fundamental earthquake processes, with a particular focus on:
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.
Selected Publications
Navin Thapa, Dresen Georg, and Thomas H. Goebel
DOIThomas H. Goebel, Navin Thapa, Sadia Marium Rinty, Susana Delgado Andino, Adonay Martinex-Coto, Jaqueline Rivera, and Benancio Henriquez-Miranda
DOIHighlights
Highlight story of my research published in University of Memphis
Santa Ana Volcano seismicity monitoring network
Highlight story of my research published in The Commercial Appeal
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.
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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