Linking seismic structure to geodynamic processes beneath Australasia

The project will investigate mantle discontinuities beneath the Australian tectonic plate, in order to understand their relationship to mantle convection processes. Subducting slabs stagnate at different depths in the mantle, but the reason for this not known. The Australian plate has complex boundaries which exhibit a range of subduction behaviours, thus it is an ideal location to study convection mechanisms. The project will use specialised seismic stations for detailed studies beneath New Zealand and Indonesia. The goal is to determine the relationship between seismic observations and geodynamical processes beneath Australasia, and understand how deeper mechanisms influence seismic activity and earthquake hazard at Earth's surface.