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Subaqueous spreading: characteristics, evolution and its suitability as a paleoseismic proxy

Project description

Soil investigation covers new ground in New Zealand

A hazard for subaqueous and land infrastructures, soil spreading has been observed worldwide. The EU-funded SubSpread project will explore the geological factors that influence the mechanics of this phenomenon. By analysing published data on on-land and subaqueous spreading, the project will investigate its triggers and development mechanisms. It will also study the role of spreading as a new proxy for supporting palaeoseismic analysis in the subaqueous setting. Furthermore, the spreading signature will be investigated in the stratigraphic and bathymetric record of Lake Tekapo (South Island of New Zealand). The results will improve our understanding of spreading along the giant Storegga Slide on the Norwegian margin and shed light on on-going palaeoseismic research on the Alpine Lakes.

Objective

Soil spreading is an extensional creeping movement occurring along a shear surface and caused by liquefaction of a gliding plane. Spreading has been documented at many sites worldwide, and it represents an hazard for subaqueous and land infrastructures. Geological factors influencing the mechanics of spreading and its development have not been extensively explored. This proposal focuses on characterising the subaqueous spreading and investigating its triggers and development mechanisms, with the final purpose of testing the use of the spreading signature as a new proxy for paleoseismic research. The methodology will involve a comprehensive analysis of published data on on-land and subaqueous spreading, gathered in two databases respectively. This information will support the development of a 2D Finite Element model implemented on the Tuaheni slide complex (North Island of New Zealand). The final part of the project will investigate the role of spreading as a new proxy for supporting palaeoseismic analysis in the subaqueous setting. Spreading signature will be investigated in the stratigraphic and bathymetric record of Lake Tekapo (South Island of New Zealand). Results from this research will be significant to the European community, as they will be exploited to improve the understanding of spreading along the giant Storegga Slide on the Norwegian margin, and in relation to the on-going palaeoseismic research on Alpine Lakes. The beneficiary of this funding would be the University of Malta, whereas GEOMAR (Germany) and NIWA (New Zealand) will be partner organizations. This funding represents an ideal opportunity for the fellow allowing her to transfer the knowledge on land liquefaction and palaeoseismology to the subaqueous setting. Through this project the fellow will learn about subaqueous geophysical interpretation (bathymetry, 2D and 3D seismic reflection), geomorphometry and finite element analysis, and to return to Europe to undertake high impact research.

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MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)

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(opens in new window) H2020-WF-2018-2020

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITA TA MALTA
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 148 049,28
Address
TAL OROQQ
MSD 2080 MSIDA
Malta

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Region
Malta Malta Malta
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 148 049,28
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