Julia K. Morgan
Assistant Professor

Research:

Marine Geology, Neotectonics, and Structural Geology

My research interests are very varied, but generally focused on mechanics and deformation in the shallow crust, in both marine and terrestrial settings. I am interested in deformational and fluid processes at convergent margins, relating to sediment accretion as well as seismogenesis along the plate boundary. I also study the unique tectonics of oceanic volcanic islands (such as Hawaii), where magmatic forces couple with gravitational forces to cause large scale flank collapse and a multitude of associated geologic hazards. I am involved in a study of fault gouge in low angle detachment faults in Death Valley, CA, attempting to unravel relationships among deformation, strength, and sliding friction. Finally, these field studies inspire my use of novel discrete element numerical methods to explore the mechanics of granular materials, such as sediments and fault gouge, to better understand both large and small geodynamical systems

Selected Publications

Morgan, J.K., "Distinct element simulations of granular shear zones: Micromechanics of localization and frictional behavior," in 2nd ACES Workshop Proceedings, edited by M. Matsu’ura, K. Nakajima, and P. Mora, APEC Cooperation for Earthquake Simulation, (2001): p. 83-90.

Julia K. Morgan Gregory F. Moore Denise J. Hills Stephen Leslie, "Overthrusting and sediment accretion along Kilauea's mobile south flank, Hawaii: Evidence for volcanic spreading from marine seismic reflection data," Geology, 28 (2000): 667-670.

Morgan, J.K. and M.S. Boettcher, "Numerical simulations of granular shear zones using the distinct element method: I. Shear zone kinematics and micromechanics of localization," J. Geophys. Res. B., 104 (1999): 2703-2719.

Morgan, J.K., "Numerical simulations of granular shear zones using the distinct element method: II. The effect of particle size distribution and interparticle friction on mechanical behavior," J. Geophys. Res. B., 104 (1999): 2721-2732.

Pending Publications

Leslie, S.C., G.F. Moore, J.K. Morgan, and D.J. Hills, "Seismic Stratigraphy of the Frontal Hawaiian Moat: Implications for Sedimentary Processes at the Leading Edge of an Oceanic Hotspot Trace," Marine Geology, (in press). I am co-advisor to first author S. Leslie, graduate student at University of Hawaii

Hills, D.J., J.K. Morgan, G.F. Moore, and S.C. Leslie, "Structural variability along the submarine south flank of Kilauea volcano, Hawaii, from a multichannel seismic reflection survey," in Evolution of Hawaiian Volcanoes, edited by E. Takahashi, M. Garcia, and P. Lipman, AGU Monograph, (in press). I am co-advisor to first author Denise J. Hills, at the University of Hawaii

Smith, J.R., K. Satake, J.K. Morgan, and P. Lipman, "Collapse features revealed by recent multibeam sonar surveys on the Hawaiian Ridge," in Evolution of Hawaiian Volcanoes, edited by E. Takahashi, M. Garcia, and P. Lipman, AGU Monograph, (in press).

Naka, J., T. Kanamatsu, P. Lipman, T. Sisson, N. Tsuboyama, J.K. Morgan, J.R. Smith, and T. Ui, "Deep-Sea Volcaniclastic Sedimentation around the Southern Flank of Hawaii Island," in Evolution of Hawaiian Volcanoes, edited by E. Takahashi, M. Garcia, and P. Lipman, AGU Monograph, (in press).