{"id":23084,"date":"2026-03-17T10:25:13","date_gmt":"2026-03-17T09:25:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.geowiss.uni-mainz.de\/institut-fuer-geowissenschaften\/vulkanseismologie\/"},"modified":"2026-05-12T13:57:16","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T11:57:16","slug":"vulkanseismologie","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.geowiss.uni-mainz.de\/en\/institut-fuer-geowissenschaften\/vulkanseismologie\/","title":{"rendered":"Volcano Seismology"},"content":{"rendered":"\n \n<\/jgu-base-anchornavigation>\n \n<\/jgu-base-teaserbox><\/jgu-base-heading>\n\n
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The work group was newly established in August 2023 and is led by Junior Professor Dr. Miriam Christina Reiss. Seismology is the science of passive measurement methods for exploring the subsurface using seismic waves and represents the largest share of geophysical methods. These are recorded by seismometers and can be analysed using a wide range of methods. This makes it possible, for example, to locate earthquakes, determine the thickness of the Earth\u2019s crust, analyse deformation of mantle and crustal rocks, resolve the structure of, for example, magma chambers, or observe the signals of volcanic eruptions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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A seismological experiment typically involves installing several measurement stations within a defined study area. Each station consists of a seismometer installed in the ground, a data logger, a power supply (typically a battery and solar panel), and a GPS antenna for precise time referencing. These stations continuously record ground motion and capture a wide range of seismic signals. These include both natural sources such as earthquakes and magmatic processes, as well as anthropogenic and environmental disturbances, for example from traffic, precipitation, or oceanic background noise. The data obtained make it possible to locate earthquake hypocentres, analyse subsurface structure\u2014for instance to identify magma chambers or determine crustal thickness\u2014and to investigate the seismic activity of volcanic systems in detail. <\/p>\n\n

Beyond volcanic seismology, we also focus on analysing deeper structures such as the crust\u2013mantle boundary and mantle flow. To this end, we use receiver function and shear-wave splitting methods. This allows us to gain direct insight into the dynamics of the Earth\u2019s interior. <\/p>\n\n

Another focus of the work group is the analysis of processes that arise during the operation of geothermal plants.<\/p>\n\n

In Mainz, the bachelor\u2019s programme in Geosciences first offers a general overview of geophysics. In addition, the master\u2019s degree programme in Geosciences offers courses that address the fundamentals of seismology. Practical aspects such as scientific programming and data analysis are also taught. Students who wish to specialise in volcanic seismology or geophysics are welcome to contact Junior Professor Dr. Miriam Christina Reiss. The courses and final theses offered provide broad knowledge that prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities, e.g. as a data analyst, for work in engineering consultancies and state agencies, in the field of geothermal energy, unexploded ordnance detection, and research.<\/p>\n\n

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