Thesis Proposal Defense Details
Student: Holly Fortener
Date: Thursday, February 17, 2022
Time: 1:00 p.m.
In Person: KWGL 123
On Zoom:
https://riceuniversity.zoom.us/j/94838230396?pwd=ajNHcWl0RGxEWWNEN2xyQU54Ny9VUT09
Meeting ID: 948 3823 0396
Passcode: 254272
Proposal:
Kilauea Volcano: Influence of Morphology on Slip Behavior at the South Flank
The mobile south flank of Kilauea Volcano on the island of Hawaii is a mechanically complex area. Based on field observations and seismic survey results, a collection of findings reports a pattern of behavior at the south flank: fast-slip behavior (i.e., earthquakes) and slow-slip or aseismic displacement occurring in two distinct areas. Large magnitude earthquakes that nucleate at the northeastern portion are thought to be evidence of Kilauea’s south flank sliding seaward along the decollement. In addition, continuous GPS data document aseismic, episodic slow-slip along the decollement at the central portion, where an embayment is present from the failure of an ancient landslide. The notable differences in flank thickness and deformation history at these two portions of the south flank inspire two questions: does flank thickness, which affects normal stress along the decollement, influence the type of slip behavior observed at each area? Alternatively, or in concert, did the removal of the ancient landslide from the embayment, alter the stress state to favor slow-slip events in this area? If so, what are the implications for future detachment of the active Hilina landslide along the southwestern portion of the south flank? Would this also reduce the risk of damaging earthquakes in this area? This study seeks to answer these questions using numerical simulations of Kilauea’s south flank.
