Plenary Sessions

SSA 2022 features plenary sessions on a number of thrilling topics. Read on to learn about our plenary sessions, which will take place in-person and include time for live Q&A. Don’t miss out on these enlightening events!

Keynote Plenary: The Cascadia Margin Revealed by Suzanne M. Carbotte, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory

Tuesday, 19 April, 5:30–6:30 p.m.

The keynote lecture by Suzanne Carbotte of Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, will focus on new research being conducted in Cascadia and will feature recent active source surveys of the Juan de Fuca plate and Cascadia margin and the new scientific insights that these data provide.

This introduction to structure and evolution of the Cascadia margin will set the stage for a dynamic meeting.

Science and Technology from a Makah Perspective—Incorporation of Native American Knowledge Systems

Wednesday, 20 April, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Join us for this plenary presentation given by Janine Ledford, Executive Director of the Makah Cultural and Research Center.

The Future of Subduction Zone Science

Wednesday, 20 April, 6–7 p.m.

Subduction zones host a range of seismic phenomena, including the world’s largest earthquakes along the megathrust, in-slab and deep-focus earthquakes, shallow crustal events, tremor and volcanic seismicity. The structure and behavior of subduction systems provides insight into Earth’s evolution and plate tectonic processes. A panel will present their vision for the future of subduction zone science and discuss the important next steps to expand our understanding of subduction processes.

Panelists: John Power, U.S. Geological Survey; Laura Wallace, GNS Science, University of Texas, Austin; Shawn Wei, Michigan State University. Moderated by Anne Sheehan, University of Colorado, Boulder.

SSA President’s Address and Awards Ceremony

Thursday, 21 April, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Join us in honoring the 2021 honorees:

– William Ellsworth, Harry Fielding Reid Medal
– Seyed Mostafa Mousavi, Charles F. Richter Early Career Award
– Timothy Ahern, Frank Press Public Service Award

SSA President John Townend (2021-22) will deliver the presidential address.

Joyner Lecture: A Futurist’s View of Earthquake Impact Estimation

Thursday, 21 April, 6–7 p.m.

Lecturer: David J. Wald, U.S. Geological Survey.

Estimating impacts due to earthquakes—whether rapidly for emerging disasters or planning for future scenarios—entails the direct interface of seismological and civil engineering expertise and tools. Both endeavors require considering uncertain models and data since the main components of loss estimation—namely shaking, exposure and vulnerabilities—entail inherent uncertainties. Since actionable response or planning requires confidence in our results, improvements in our loss calculations require continued collaboration. Fortunately, advancements in remote sensing, rapid in-situ monitoring and impact reporting, and machine learning—combined with new datasets such as global building footprints and inventories—allow for innovative data-fusion strategies that integrate with existing models and should significantly improve the accuracy and spatial resolution of rapid shaking and loss estimates. Some of the same tools and strategies are also applicable for long-term loss and risk assessments. Wald’s 2021 William B. Joyner lecture will feature a combined seismological and earthquake engineering view of future earthquake response and recovery, where the initial impact estimates —as well as secondary hazards—are rapidly supplemented with crowd-sourced and remotely sensed observations that are integrated holistically for a more accurate view of the consequences.

Frontiers in Seismology

Friday, 22 April, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

New advances in seismological techniques and instrumentation provide opportunities to better understand earthquakes, map seismicity and refine models of the inner structure of planetary bodies. These approaches also present challenges on how to optimize instrumentation and deal with big data. In this plenary, we explore the science enabled by three emerging frontiers: distributed acoustic sensing technology, high performance computing and seismic instrumentation deployed to neighboring planets.

Panelists: Alice-Agnes Gabriel, University of Munich; Simon Stähler, ETH Zürich; Zhongwen Zhan, Caltech.