Locking on Intra-continental Faults:

Following the 2003 Mw 6.6 Bam earthquake in SE Iran, we measured the post-seismic ground deformation using radar satellites (InSAR). We used these measurements, in conjunction with numerical models of fault creep in response to co-seismic stress changes, to show that the data are consistent with only a small area of the available fault surface creeping in response to loading due to the earthquake. 

This provides the first indirect evidence for locking along an intra-continental fault through the use of post-seismic deformation. Faults that remain predominantly locked are likely to release the majority of slip in earthquakes, hence can be considered to pose a greater seismic hazard relative to those that creep extensively (e.g., Longitudinal Valley Fault, Parkfield section of the San Andreas).

Gravitational Collapse of the Andes

Normal faulting earthquakes within the Andes of South Peru suggest the elevated regions are extending as a result of differences in gravitational potential energy between the mountains and the South American lowlands. I have been using earthquake observations in conjunction with simple force calculations and literature studies to reassess the forces acting on this plate tectonic configuration, and test models for the mechanical support of the Andes through the lithosphere.