Plate interactions near tectonic plate margins explain the internal processes that sculpt and deform the Earth’s landscape. It helps authorities to quantify the seismic risk (damage from an earthquake) and its assessment (probability of damage). The north region of Costa Rica continues to be relevant for subduction zone research. Many Costa Rican authorities utilize these types of findings to make recommendations and policy decisions that are crucial to the safety and wellbeing of local communities.

In this IRES site project, student participants will collect geologic data via state-of-the-art GNSS stations, and magnetometers. Students will use this data couple with InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) methods to assess ground deformation with the goal of identifying a new  tectonic boundary and velocity a vector for a tectonic block that we have named the  Guanacaste Tectonic Sliver (GTS). This will allow for a better assessment of regional seismic hazards in this region of the country. Student-authored poster publications that will be presented at a scientific conferences are the expected research outcome for participating students.

Prefer completion or enrollment in a course in mineralogy, petrology, or Earth materials. Coursework in structural geology and/or field geology or field methods is useful but not necessary. Experience using Matlab, ArcGIS, Python is highly desired but not necessary. Students with no or limited research experience in the field are welcome to apply. We strongly encourage students from historically underserved populations to apply.