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Esme Southern

Profile

I’m currently working on the Hengill geothermal system in southwest Iceland as a postdoctoral Research Fellow, using seismology to better understand the subsurface. One way we’re doing this is by measuring shear-wave splitting to quantify seismic anisotropy (the directional dependence of seismic wavespeed) in the shallow crust, likely caused by subsurface fracture networks. By interpreting these results we can start to understand permeability pathways for geothermal fluids.

The project focuses on using probabilistic techniques which provide a better understanding of the uncertainties involved in subsurface imaging, which we hope will in turn improve the understanding of risk in decision-making within the geothermal industry.

I come from a background of volcano seismology, having used microseismicity to track melt movement through the crust during my PhD, making detailed studies of the recent magmatic intrusions on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland. I’m excited to apply similar techniques towards geothermal systems in an attempt to advance research into the energy transition.

Qualifications

  • BA in Natural Sciences, University of Cambridge
  • MSci in Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge
  • PhD in Volcano Seismology, University of Cambridge