PIF2025 -The influence of rock rigidity and fault roughness in the megathrust earthquake dynamics and tsunami generation - (PID2024-159984NB-I00)

Project Description DESTINY (Detailed Structure and Inter-plate Geometry of the Ecuadorian Subduction System) aims to understand how variations in rock rigidity and fault roughness influence megathrust earthquake dynamics and tsunami generation. Building on previous award-winning studies by our group (Nature, Ciutat de Barcelona Prize 2020), the project will apply advanced seismic imaging and 3D tomography modelling (JRRTTT) developed by our research team to image the Ecuadorian subduction zone with unprecedented resolution. The research integrates seismic imaging, rupture modelling, and tsunami simulations to investigate the role of geological heterogeneity in controlling earthquake rupture and tsunami potential. DESTINY is an international collaboration involving institutions from Spain, France (Géoazur), Germany (GEOMAR, LMU Munich), and Ecuador (IG-EPN, INOCAR), contributing to global efforts within the UNESCO Ocean Decade and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.