Ruyu Yan L&S Math & Physical Sciences
Impact of Hydrothermal Alteration on Earthquake Dynamics Through AI
Earthquakes are a common hazard that impact communities worldwide as they substantially harm human and infrastructure safety. The dynamics of fault slip during large earthquakes are influenced by variations in the frictional properties of fault-zone rocks. Fault zone mineralogy can be impacted by water-rock reactions that induce alteration. This summer, I propose to study mineral alteration along faults activated by the 2019 Ridgecrest earthquake, an ideal study area for comparing mineral alteration to earthquake slip. Through X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analyses of samples from Ridgecrest, I aim to understand variations in mineral alteration along these faults. These chemical data will then be used to calibrate satellite-based multispectral image analysis and to develop a deep learning classification for mapping hydrothermal alteration along the faults. I will compare mineral alteration maps with existing measurements to evaluate the influence of hydrothermal alteration on earthquake dynamics. This research will give us deeper insight into the interplay between chemical reactions and earthquake behavior and improve our understanding of earthquake hazards.
Message To Sponsor
I would like to thank donor for funding this project and giving me this opportunity to further explore the field of my research interest. This opportunity gives me a chance to develop my research skills and offers me clarity and a clearer direction toward the future educational paths that I will be taking. I am excited to explore the possibilities in the interdisciplinary study between data science and geophysics this funding is providing me with a vision of.