Canada Research Chairs
Earthquakes can come in a range of sizes and impacts—from devastating natural ruptures to smaller, human-induced events. To minimize risk, we need to better understand their causes and behaviours. As Canada Research Chair in Earthquake Seismology, Dr. Yajing Liu aims to better understand the mechanisms that control the occurrence, magnitude and frequency of earthquakes.
She and her research team are studying how fault properties influence seismic activity, including both sudden, powerful quakes (fast-slip events) and slower, less detectable ones (slow-slip events). They are developing modelling techniques to simulate earthquake cycles and rupture scenarios, improving seismic hazard assessments. They are also investigating intraplate earthquakes in Canada (which occur in the interiors of tectonic plates) and studying both natural and human-caused seismic activity in regions like the Lower St. Lawrence Seaway and Baffin Bay. Ultimately, their work will enhance earthquake preparedness, infrastructure safety, and environmental protection in Canada.