We study how earthquakes occur by investigating faults and the rocks within them. Our research combines field observations, microscopic analysis, and laboratory experiments to understand how fault rocks deform and how their mechanical properties change during the earthquake cycle. By comparing natural fault rocks with experimentally deformed samples, we aim to identify the physical processes that control fault slip and earthquake behavior. Our work also focuses on the frictional properties of clay-rich fault rocks under realistic conditions, with implications for earthquake science as well as geological and engineering applications.
Please see the details on the website: https://fzgl-liweikuo.com/
he FZGL focuses mainly on topics related to fault deformation during the seismic cycle using natural observations and experimental approaches with rotary shear and triaxial apparatuses.
Please see the details and the published works on the website: https://fzgl-liweikuo.com/
I use a combination of fieldwork, microstructural analysis, and rock deformation experiments. An important part of my research is to compare natural fault rocks with experimentally produced rocks to understand the deformation processes that occur during fault slip and the associated earthquake physics information. Recently, I have put some emphasis on investigating the transient dynamic frictional properties of clay-bearing rocks sheared under expected environmental conditions, which has applications and implications not only for studies of earthquake physics, but also for friction-related processes of geological and engineering interests.
2024-2029 Academia Sinica Scholar Award(ASSA), Division of Mathematics and Physical Sciences
2021 2021 President Jia-Lun Luo Outstanding Research Award for Junior Research Investigators, Taiwan
2020 Ta-You Wu Memorial Award, Taiwan
2019 The Academia Sinica Research Award for Junior Research Investigators, Division of Mathematics and Physical Sciences
Please see the details on the website: https://fzgl-liweikuo.com/
Job Description
These experiments will provide critical insights into:
(1) whether shallow coseismic slip during the 2011 Tohoku-oki earthquake resulted from the release of strain accumulated through healing of smectite-rich faults;
(2) whether the frequent occurrence of slow slip events is linked to the low healing rates of smectite–illite mixed clays; and
(3) whether the long recurrence intervals (tens of years) of M7-class earthquakes reflect the high healing rates of illite-bearing fault materials.
This project offers interns hands-on experience with laboratory rock mechanics, fault friction experiments, and the interpretation of subduction-zone earthquake processes.
Preferred Intern Educational Level
The applicant should be a Master's or PhD student.
Skill sets or Qualities
Knowledge of subduction and fault-related deformation is required. Microanalytical skills (XRD, SEM, TEM, and Raman spectroscopy) may be required.