Advancing Earthquake Science with HPPCF

Dr. Billen relies on High-Performance Computing (HPC) resources to develop and test intricate 3D models of subduction zones at various scales, including preliminary tests on smaller systems before scaling up to larger supercomputers for broader applications, as well as conducting focused 2D studies when computational efficiency is required.

One of Dr. Billen’s notable achievements made possible through HPC was demonstrating that deep earthquakes within sinking tectonic plates are likely influenced by regions where the plate is deforming more rapidly and bending/ folding at depths of 400-700 km. The mechanisms triggering these deep earthquakes are still debated. Using 2D models of subduction, her team showed that the observed patterns of deep seismicity correlate with the patterns of high strain-rate regions within sinking plates. Her research offers significant insights into understanding earthquake mechanisms deep within the Earth.

Looking ahead, Dr. Billen aspires to tackle a challenge in Earth sciences: linking tectonic plate deformation over millions of years to earthquake processes. By developing regional models that connect long-term stress states to dynamic earthquake rupture simulations, she hopes to produce more realistic predictions of earthquake size, location, and frequency in subduction zones.

In terms of emerging technologies, Dr. Billen highlights the transformative potential of new chip architectures, like the Nvidia Grace CPU superchip, which will power the next generation of supercomputers. She emphasizes the need for HPC facilities to explore these advancements to benefit campus researchers.