Emerging Scientists Session

Modeling Poromechanics in Earthquake and Faulting Phenomena

Prof. Luca Dal Zilio
Nanyang Technological University
Luca Dal Zilio

Biography

Luca Dal Zilio is an Assistant Professor of Geophysics at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore and a Principal Investigator at the Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS), where he leads the Computational Geophysics Lab. His group specializes in computational geophysics, focusing on the mechanics of fracture, fault friction, and multiphase flow in porous media. Their research integrates physics-based simulations with geophysical observations to advance the understanding of earthquakes, crustal deformation, geo-energy exploration, and related natural hazards.

Introduction of the Lecture

Understanding the interplay between fluid flow and fault mechanics is crucial in seismotectonics and geo-energy exploration, as it influences both seismic and aseismic slip behaviors. Recent advancements in modeling hydro-mechanical coupled processes provide new insights into the role of fluids in faulting phenomena. This lecture will discuss the latest developments in the modeling of poromechanics, fault friction, and fully dynamic earthquake rupture. By integrating solid-fluid interactions into computational frameworks, we can better capture the complex dynamics of fault systems, including the triggering of earthquakes and the evolution of fault slip. This approach offers a more comprehensive understanding of the processes governing seismic hazards and provides a foundation for future research into both natural and anthropogenically induced seismic events.