Master of Science graduates Olivia Mark and Jessie Schuler have made significant strides in linking earthquakes with volcanic activity through their research in Geophysics. The research was conducted during their time at Te Herenga Waka’s School of Geography, Environment, and Earth Sciences.
Olivia's study focused on volcanic activity in the Taupō region. Her recently published research revealed that ocean water from the Hikurangi Subduction Zone, is being carried 200km deep into the Earth’s mantle by the Pacific tectonic plate. This process melts the mantle, producing substantial magma which fuels the region’s volcanic activity.
“These findings offer crucial insight into why Ahi Tupua, the central part of the Taupō Volcanic Zone, is one of the most active volcanic areas in the world,” Olivia explains.
“By analysing earthquake data from the GeoNet network and a temporary seismometer network, I identified 397 intermediate-depth earthquakes over 29 months. This analysis revealed that these earthquakes, originating within the subducting Pacific plate, are associated with fluid release into the Earth's mantle based on changes in faulting patterns.”
Jessie's research investigated the connection between large earthquakes and volcanic unrest. As the lead author of a study on the impact of the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake on the Taupō Volcanic Zone, Jessie analysed stress changes in the Earth's crust caused by both permanent ground displacements and temporary movements from the earthquake’s shaking.
“The magnitude 7.8 Kaikōura earthquake, involving over 20 faults, provided a valuable dataset,” Jessie notes. “We found that seismic waves originating from the earthquake, despite being 500km away, triggered unrest at Taupō Volcano.”
Dr. Finn Illsley-Kemp, one of Olivia’s and Jessie’s academic supervisors, commends their work for advancing scientific knowledge and demonstrating the benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration in geological research.
“Olivia and Jessie’s results are great examples of modern earth science. Both students were able to combine geological knowledge of the past with highly precise measurements from the present-day to answer fundamental questions about our planet.
“During their research projects, Olivia and Jessie drew upon all the skills they’d learnt in their degree, and it’s great to see them using those same skills to now thrive in the geotechnical industry.”
Both Olivia and Jessie received funding from the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (formerly the Earthquake Commission) for their Master of Science degrees through the Victoria University of Wellington’s Earthquake Seismology and Tectonic Geodesy Research Programme. This initiative aims to invest in graduate students to ensure the geoscience sector has the skills and personnel needed to operate effectively while also increasing diversity within the field.
“The funding is such a help; it afforded me the opportunity to just focus on my Master’s. Olivia and I were in a cohort that was largely women, around 70 percent. It’s exciting to see women come through in a traditionally male-dominated field,” says Jessie.
At the University, Olivia and Jessie benefited from hands-on fieldwork and research opportunities.
“One highlight was deploying seismometers in the Southern Alps,” Olivia recalls. “We spent three weeks there, being helicoptered in and around the Alps daily. This ongoing project is crucial for understanding the Alpine Fault.”
“A unique part of the graduate programme is the field trips to places like this. These experiences teach you valuable skills like teamwork, communication, and leadership, which are essential in the field and workplace. During graduate role interviews, I had plenty of examples from my fieldwork, where I developed my character and learned about different team dynamics.”
Jessie found her internships during and after her undergraduate studies particularly motivating.
“It was inspiring to witness the demands of being a scientist and researcher. I completed an internship with GNS Science and a summer research scholarship.”
Jessie is now an engineering geologist at the consultancy WSP, working on small-scale geophysics, engineering geology, and geohazards projects. Olivia has taken on a role as an engineering geologist at Beca, focusing on geological modelling, hazard mapping, and ground investigations.