Alan Yu
Project: Geodynamic effects on fault criticality in a geothermally prospective rift system of the Rhine Graben
Objectives: My PhD research aims to investigate how large-scale and small-scale tectonics can affect the geothermal potential across a rift system (where the lithosphere is being pulled apart), such as in the Rhine Graben. We couple the stress and strain conditions in larger-scale geodynamic models with smaller-scale fluid flow models and see their tectonic influence. Our multi-scale approach is constrained by geological, seismic, and gravity data and a tectonic environment derived from the kinematic history of the associated plates.
Background: My BSc and MSc studies at the University of Toronto (Canada) provided me with a broad background in geology and geophysics. My undergraduate project involved constructing the history of glaciation and glacier movement by characterizing glacial landforms in North America using LiDAR satellite imaging. In my undergraduate thesis, I investigated the stratigraphy of lake bottoms from seismic reflection surveying and identified soil disturbances potentially linked to ancient earthquakes. In addition, I have more than two years of numerical modelling experience using supercomputers, inquiring into the role of structures inherited from older tectonic events in subsequent deformation development. I simulated multiple rock layers of various physical properties (e.g., temperature, strain, composition) undergoing extension for millions of years.
Hobbies: Besides exploring the beautiful Earth, I like to jam with friends (as a drummer) and work on my car. I am also a huge synthesizer nerd.