Ryan Porter

About

Dr. Ryan Porter is an Associate Professor in the School of Earth and Sustainability at Northern Arizona University, where he has been a faculty member since 2014. He is a seismologist and geophysicist whose research focuses on using earthquake seismology to study tectonics and applying shallow geophysics to understand ground and surface systems.

Research Interests

https://porterryanc.weebly.com/

Earthquake Seismology and Tectonics

• Crustal and upper mantle structure analysis
• Subduction zone processes and dynamics
• Seismic anisotropy and lithospheric properties
• Tectonic evolution of the North and South American Cordillera
• Lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary dynamics
• Seismology for Hydrologic Applications
• Planetary Analogue Geophysics

Volcanism and Magmatic Processes

• Monogenetic volcanism
• San Francisco Volcanic Field seismic investigations
• Magma chamber connectivity and volcanic system evolution
• Comparative volcanism between Arizona and Mexico

Applied Geophysics

• Shallow geophysical methods for groundwater investigation
• Ground and surface water systems
• Environmental geophysics applications
• Post-fire debris flow monitoring and assessment

Regional Tectonics

• Colorado Plateau lithospheric structure and evolution
• Cordilleran flat-slab subduction processes
• Lithospheric modification beneath volcanic provinces
• Crustal and mantle velocity structure
• Mantle Melt Storage

Education

• Ph.D. Geosciences, University of Arizona (2011)
• B.A. Geology/Physics, Whitman College (2006)

Research Impact

Dr. Porter has made significant contributions to seismology and geophysics. His work combines field observations, seismic analysis, and geophysical modeling to understand tectonic and volcanic processes.

Major Research Projects

NSF-Funded Research (Recent)

• Cocos Oceanic Plate Study (2023) - $473,000 NSF award (collaborative with James Gaherty)

  • International collaboration with Georgia Institute of Technology
  • Study of oceanic plate structure beneath Central America

• Seismic Investigation of Post Wildfire Debris Flows (2025-2028)

  • Applying Seismology to detect and characterize debris flows
  • NSF- funded research

• TransANdean Great Orogeny (TANGO) Project (2020-2026)

  • Characterizing orogen-parallel variations in the evolution of crustal thickening/shortening within the Andes mountains
  • NSF-Geophysics funded research

• Colorado Plateau Lithosphere Investigation (2019-2020)

  • Collaborative research integrating geophysical and geochemical data
  • Understanding hydration and thermal state of Colorado Plateau lithosphere
  • PIs: Ryan Porter, Thomas Hoisch, Mary Reid

• Cordilleran Flat Slab Subduction Study (2017-2019)

  • Assessing the role of water in flat-slab subduction regions
  • NSF-Geophysics funded research

Publications and Research Contributions

Major Publications

• Seismic evidence for lithospheric modification beneath the Mojave Neovolcanic Province

  • Published in Geophysical Research Letters
  • Analysis of lithospheric structure changes

• Shear wave velocities in the Pampean flat-slab region from Rayleigh wave tomography

  • Published in Journal of Geophysical Research-Solid Earth
  • Regional velocity structure analysis

• Pervasive lower-crustal seismic anisotropy in Southern California

  • Published in Lithosphere
  • Crustal anisotropy and tectonic implications

• Recent work in Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface (2023) and Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems (2021)

Teaching and Courses

Dr. Porter teaches a comprehensive range of geology and geophysics courses:

Undergraduate Courses

• GLG 101 - Introduction to Geology
• GLG 440C - Field Camp
• GLG 470 - Physics and Chemistry of the Earth

Graduate Courses

• GLG 560 - Applied Geophysics
• GLG 561 - Regional Tectonics
• GLG 565 - Solid Earth Geophysics

International Field Courses

• Collaborative field course with Universidad Autónoma de México (UNAM)
• Hands-on volcanology training in Serdán-Oriental Volcanic Field, Mexico
• Integration of classroom learning with field experience

International Collaboration

Mexico-NAU Partnership

• Collaborative research with UNAM on volcanic field studies
• Student exchange programs for field geology training
• Comparative analysis of Arizona and Mexican volcanic fields
• Cross-cultural geological education initiatives

Research Network

• Multi-institutional NSF projects across North and South America
• International partnerships in seismological research

Graduate Student Supervision

Dr. Porter mentors graduate students in:

• Seismological analysis and interpretation
• Geophysical field methods and data collection
• Volcanic hazard assessment
• Regional tectonics and crustal structure studies
• Applied geophysics for environmental applications

Laboratory and Instrumentation

Seismological Analysis

• Earthquake data processing and interpretation
• Seismic tomography and velocity modeling
• Crustal and mantle structure analysis
• Real-time seismic monitoring capabilities

Field Geophysics

• Shallow geophysical survey equipment
• Groundwater investigation techniques
• Volcanic field monitoring instruments
• Post-fire debris flow assessment tools

Research Philosophy

Dr. Porter’s approach combines traditional seismological methods with innovative geophysical techniques to address fundamental questions about Earth structure and processes. His work emphasizes the integration of field observations with quantitative analysis to understand tectonic and volcanic systems.

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