Raffaele Bonadio

As a Research Associate at the University of Cambridge, I study the mechanics and dynamics of the Earth system at a regional and global scales. My work focuses on imaging and understanding the structure and evolution of the lithosphere and underlying mantle in geophysically complex areas. By integrating mechanical, thermal, and chemical perspectives, I aim to uncover how the Earth's present structure has been shaped by past dynamic processes, contributing to solving key questions in plate tectonics and lithospheric dynamics.

I use a range of techniques to study how ground vibrations, caused by earthquakes and natural background noise, travel through the Earth. By analyzing these signals in detail, we can learn about the structure and properties of deep layers like the lithosphere and the mantle. In addition to seismic methods, I also use rock modeling to better understand the temperature and thickness of these layers. I am often involved in setting up and maintaining seismic stations in places like the UK, Ireland, the North Atlantic Ocean, Italy. I enjoy getting out into the field, handling the logistics, and working hands-on with the instruments.

Part of my work is dedicated to education and outreach. I believe it is important to share the exciting world of earthquake science with as many interested people as possible, whether they are kids, the general public, university students, or experts! I understand this can be challenging, so I have developed different ways to engage each group. Using powerful visual tools, I create multimedia content that helps explain our research in a clear and engaging way, making complex ideas easier to understand and connect with everyday life.

I was previously post-doctoral researcher at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, and got my PhD at Trinity College Dublin, with a thesis titled "Broadband Surface Wave Tomography of Ireland, Britain, and Other Regions". I got my MSc student of Exploration and Applied Geophysics at University of Pisa, graduated with a thesis on "Development of genetic algorithms in C – Applications to full waveform inversion". The BSc in Physics was carried out at the faculty of Physics at University of Pisa, where I developed a thesis in a geophysical laboratory on "Characterization of a gravimetric gradiometer, test measurements of the mechanics".

Education

• PhD in Geophysics (Trinity College Dublin, Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, 2019)
• MSc of Exploration and Applied Geophysics (University of Pisa, 2014)
• BSc of Physics (University of Pisa, 2009)

Key publications

• [2025, Aug] Volcanism and long-term seismicity governed by plume-induced plate thinning.    Raffaele Bonadio, Sergei Lebedev, David Chew, Yihe Xu, Javier Fullea, Thomas Meier. Nature Communications, 16, 7837. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-62967-5
• [2021, Apr] Optimal resolution tomography with error tracking and the structure of the crust and upper mantle beneath Ireland and Britain.    Bonadio, R., S. Lebedev, T. Meier, P. Arroucau, A.J. Schaeffer, A. Licciardi, M.R. Agius, C. Horan, L. Collins, B.M. O'Reilly, P.W. Readman, and the Ireland Array Working Group. Geophys. J. Int., ggab169, https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggab169[
• [2018, May] Hot Upper Mantle Beneath the Tristan da Cunha Hotspot From Probabilistic Rayleigh-Wave Inversion and Petrological Modeling.    Bonadio, R., W.H. Geissler, S. Lebedev, J. Fullea, M. Ravenna, N.L. Celli, W. Jokat, M. Jegen, C. Sens-Schönfelder, and K. Baba. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems. 19(5), 1412-1428. https://doi.org/10.1002/2017GC007347