PhD Studentship (NERC GW4+ DTP) - Tracking Plate Coupling and Strain Accumulation along the Sunda and Java Trenches using Sentinel-1 InSAR and GNSS Data (September 2025)

About the Partnership

This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the NERC Great Western Four+ Doctoral Training Partnership (GW4+ DTP). The GW4+ DTP consists of the Great Western Four alliance of the University of Bath, University of Bristol, Cardiff University and the University of Exeter plus five Research Organisation partners: British Antarctic Survey, British Geological Survey, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology,  the Natural History Museum and Plymouth Marine Laboratory. The partnership aims to provide a broad training in earth and environmental sciences, designed to train tomorrow’s leaders in earth and environmental science. For further details about the programme please see http://nercgw4plus.ac.uk/

Project details

For information relating to the research project please contact the lead Supervisor via Y.Maghsoudi-Mehrani@exeter.ac.uk

Project Aims and Methods

This project aims to investigate plate coupling and strain accumulation along the Sunda and Java Trenches in Indonesia using a combination of Sentinel-1 SAR data and continuous GNSS data from Indonesia's National Geospatial Agency (BIG). InSAR will be used to detect surface deformation, making it ideal for monitoring strain in subduction zones with megathrust earthquake potential. By integrating InSAR and GNSS deformation measurements, the project will model coupling on the megathrust, identify regions of strong plate coupling, and assess seismic hazard. 

Working closely with Indonesian partners, the project will compare slip asperities with locations of past megathrust earthquakes and use scenario models to assess future seismic risk. Sentinel-1 data will be processed to generate time-series deformation maps, with burst overlap interferometry applied to estimate north/south displacements. InSAR velocities will be tied to GNSS data, aligning deformation measurements with the regional tectonic context. ALOS-2 data will be incorporated where possible for intercomparison.  

The project will produce high-resolution ground deformation models that will help improve the understanding of strain accumulation and tectonic activity in the region. This research has the potential to enhance earthquake and tsunami early warning systems in Indonesia, ultimately aiding disaster risk mitigation efforts. 

Training

The DTP offers funding to undertake specialist training relating to the student’s specialist area of research. 

To apply, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above.

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