Erin Wirth

• • Research Geophysicist, U.S. Geological Survey
  • Affiliate Assistant Professor
• • ATG 226
• Visit Erin's website

Erin’s research focuses on earthquake hazards, specifically in subduction zone settings. She uses 3-D numerical simulations to predict earthquake ground motions associated with large earthquakes in the Cascadia subduction zone, as well as on crustal faults systems. She integrates her work with geologic and geophysical observations from previous earthquakes, and work closely with engineers and social scientists to improve earthquake resilience in the Pacific Northwest. She is also interested in the generation of strong ground motions by distinct patches on the megathrust (i.e., as observed in the 2011 M9.0 Tohoku, Japan earthquake) and the amplification of ground motions by deep sedimentary basins (e.g., the Seattle basin).

Other research interests focus on using seismic observations and numerical modeling to characterize the structure and dynamics of Earth’s interior. Previously, she has used seismological techniques (such as receiver functions and shear wave splitting) to interrogate deformational processes and the extent of hydration in subduction systems worldwide.