Timothy Masterlark

Assistant Professor - Geodynamics & Active deformation

Contact

E-mail: masterlark@geo.ua.edu
Phone: 205-348-6289
Office: 244 Bevill

Education

Ph.D. 2000, University of Wisconsin

Professional Preparation

• 2005-present, Assistant Professor (Geodynamics), The University of Alabama
• 2001-2005, Senior Scientist (Geodynamics), USGS/EROS
• 2000-2001, Post-doc (Geodynamics), University of Wisconsin
• 1986-1990, 82d Airborne Division, US Army

Research

Models provide the linkage between surface deformation (what we can directly observe) and the inaccessible interior processes, such as fault-slip and magma intrusion (what we really want to know). My research group focuses on developing innovational ABAQUS-based Finite Element Models (FEMs) that synthesize field, laboratory, GPS, and InSAR data to quantitatively simulate earthquake and volcano deformation. Our efforts are subject to the tenet: The reliability of model predictions depends on how well the model represents the natural system.

Current FEM projects include:

1. Coseismic & postseismic deformation of the M9 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake
2. Coseismic & postseismic deformation of the 1995 M8 Jalisco earthquake, Mexico
3. Virtual volcano - Transient deformation of Okmok volcano, Alaska
4. Virtual volcano - The Hawaiian deformational system
5. Virtual volcano - Deformational systems of Iceland

Current graduate students:

• Kristin Hughes (Ph.D.) Virtual Sumatra-Andaman subduction zone
• Haylee Dickinson (M.S.) Transient deformation of Okmok volcano, Alaska

For prospective students:

The elements of a good modeler are: 1) Self-motivation; 2) Strong analytical skills; 3) Knowledge of geology and mechanics; 4) Creativity; and (5) Effective communication. Graduate students working under my supervision can expect an unsurpassed level of personal attention and will be afforded academic flexibility and the freedom to explore. My graduate students have exclusive use of the newly established Geodynamics & Active Deformation Laboratory öA self-contained computing facility specifically designed for intensive finite element modeling and visualization activities.

Teaching

Introductory Geology/Dynamic Earth (GEO101, 4cr.): Survey of the Earth, including plate tectonics; materials, internal and external processes; and natural hazards.

Earthquakes, Eruptions, and Civilization (GEO340, 3cr., W): This course investigates the development of human perceptions of tectonic events and their impact on civilization.

Geodynamics (GEO542, 3 cr.): The overarching emphasis of this course is to develop quantitative expressions for geologic processes. Topics addressed include: elasticity and flexure of the earth's lithosphere, heat conduction, fluid migration, poroelastic mechanics, and active deformation. Students are encouraged to consult with one another, explore ideas, ask questions, and develop and test multiple hypotheses.

Geologic Data Analysis (GEO525, 3cr.): This course presents theory and methods to quantitatively assess geologic data. Topics include: (1) Model formulation; (2) Matrix assembly, operations, inverse methods, and parameter estimation; and (3) An introduction to constructing ABAQUS-based FEMs.

Honors/Graduate Seminar (GEO435(6)/535(6)/635(6), 1cr.): I am the seminar Czar for this weekly event.

Synergistic Activities

• NASA Earth Systems Scholar - ESSN (NIP 2005 & ESS Fellowship 1996)
• Selected for SEATOS Expedition (Sponsored by The Discovery Channel 2005)
• Mentor for international and domestic aspiring finite element modelers (Using ABAQUS)

Invited Articles

Masterlark, T. (2007), Modeling Earthquakes with Realistic Simulation Software, R&D Magazine, June.

Masterlark, T. (2007), Simulating the M9 Sumatra-Andaman Earthquake and Tsunami Source, ABAQUS INSIGHTS, Feb/Mar.

Masterlark, T. (2007), What Causes Tsunamies?, UA Research Magazine X.

Publications

Masterlark, T. (2007), Magma Intrusion and deformation predictions: Sensitivities to the Mogi assumptions, Journal of Geophysical Research 112, doi:10.1029/2006JB004860, 17 pp.

Fisher, D., D. Mosher, J.A. Austin, Jr., S.Gulick, T. Masterlark, and K. Moran (2007), Active deformation across the Sumatran forearc over the December 2004 Mw9.2 rupture, Geology 35, doi:10.1130/G22993A.1, 99-102.

Masterlark, T., Z Lu, and R Rykhus (2006), Thickness distribution of a cooling pyroclastic flow deposit: Optimization using InSAR, FEMs, and an adaptive mesh algorithm, Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research 150, 186-201.

Moran, S.C, O. Kwoun, T. Masterlark, and Z. Lu (2006), On the absence of InSAR-detected volcano deformation spanning the 1995-1996 and 1999 eruptions of Shishaldin Volcano, Alaska, Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research 150, 119-131.

Poland, M., R. BŸrgmann, D. Dzurisin, M. Lisowski, T. Masterlark, S. Owen and J. Fink (2006), Constraints on the mechanism of long-term, steady subsidence at Medicine Lake volcano, northern California, from GPS and precise leveling, Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research 150, 55-78.

Lu, Z., T. Masterlark, and D. Dzurisin (2005), Interferometric synthetic aperture (InSAR) study of Okmok volcano, Alaska: Magma supply dynamics and post-emplacement lava flow deformation, Journal of Geophysical Research 110, 10.1029/2004JB003148, 18 pp.

Masterlark, T., and Z. Lu (2004), Transient volcano deformation sources imaged with interferometric synthetic aperture radar: Application to Seguam Island, Alaska, Journal of Geophysical Research 109, doi:10.1029/2003JB002568, 17 pp.

Lu, Z., R. Rykhus, T. Masterlark, and K. Dean (2004), Mapping recent lava flows at Westdahl volcano, Alaska, using radar and optical satellite imagery, Remote Sensing of Environment 91, 345-353.

Masterlark, T. (2003), Finite element model predictions of static deformation from dislocation sources in a subduction zone: Sensitivities to homogeneous, isotropic, Poisson-solid, and half-space assumptions, Journal of Geophysical Research 108, doi:10.1029/2002JB002296, 17 pp.

Lu, Z., C. Wicks, Jr., D. Dzurisin, J. Power, W. Thatcher, and T. Masterlark (2003), Interferometric synthetic aperture radar studies of Alaska volcanoes, Earth Observation Magazine 12, 8-18.

Lu, Z., T. Masterlark, D. Dzurisin, R. Rykhus, and C. Wicks, Jr. (2003), Transient inflation rate detected with satellite interferometry and its implication to the plumbing system at Westdahl volcano, Alaska, Journal of Geophysical Research 108, doi:10.1029/2002JB002311, 17 pp.

Lu, Z., T. Masterlark, J. Power, D. Dzurisin, C. Wicks, Jr., and W. Thatcher (2002), Subsidence at Kiska volcano, western Aleutians, detected by satellite radar interferometry, Geophysical Research Letters 29, doi: 10.1029/2002GL014948, 4 pp.

Masterlark, T. and H.F. Wang (2002), Transient stress-coupling between the 1992 Landers and 1999 Hector Mine earthquakes, Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America 92, 1470-1486.

Marquez-Azœa, B., C. DeMets, and T. Masterlark (2002), Strong interseismic coupling, fault afterslip, and viscoelastic flow before and after the Oct. 9, 1995 Jalisco-Colima earthquake: Continuous GPS measurements from Colima, Mexico, Geophysical Research Letters 29, 1029/2002GL014702, 4 pp.

Masterlark, T., C. DeMets, H.F. Wang, J. Stock, and O. Sanchez (2001), Homogeneous vs. heterogeneous subduction zone models: Coseismic and postseismic deformation, Geophysical Research Letters 28, 4047-4050.

Masterlark, T., and H. Wang (2000), Poroelastic coupling between the 1992 Landers and Big Bear earthquakes, Geophysical Research Letters 27, 3647-3650.

Masterlark, T., H. Wang, L. Chan, and Y. Che (1999), Coseismic pore pressure response estimated from tidal band prediction error filtering, Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America 89, 1439-1446.

Last updated: TM - July 2007

Department Info