Laura Wallace

Laura Wallace is a Research Professor at the Institute for Geophysics, Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin. Her research focuses on crustal deformation, geodesy (including GPS and InSAR), and active tectonic processes at subduction zones, particularly the Hikurangi Subduction Margin in New Zealand. She leads studies on slow slip events, fault mechanics, and geohazard modeling, contributing to national seismic and tsunami hazard assessments.

Her work integrates geodetic data (GNSS, seafloor pressure sensors) with seismic and geological observations to unravel deformation patterns and fault behaviors. She collaborates on international initiatives like the International Ocean Discovery Program (e.g., Expedition 375) and has advanced understanding of subduction zone dynamics, including how sediment properties and fluid pressures influence fault slip.

Key contributions include developing strain rate models for New Zealand’s national seismic hazard framework and analyzing the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake’s impact on tectonic systems. Her research bridges field observations, laboratory experiments, and computational modeling to address critical questions in tectonics and geohazard mitigation.

• Research Group: Institute for Geophysics
• Expertise: Subduction Zone Geodynamics, Slow Slip Events, Geohazard Assessment
• Fieldwork: Hikurangi Margin, Nankai Trough, and Papua New Guinea