PhD, 2010, Rice University
My research is focused on understanding geodynamic and tectonic processes through the use of geophysical (mainly seismological) imaging techniques. More precisely I study the processes that modify the continental lithosphere and spur orogenesis and basin formation, with an emphasis on the role of subduction. In my research, I’ve used a variety of methods on a range of scales, from crustal active source tomography to upper mantle teleseismic tomography. In addition to data analysis and interpretation I’ve worked on algorithm development both for seismic tomography and gravity modeling and I’m interested in combining seismic measurements into joint inversions in thoughtful and meaningful ways.
Ongoing projects include imaging of attenuation structure in orogenic zones, studying the relationship between seismic attenuation and lithospheric strength, and exploring how the assumption of isotropy affects seismic imaging of anisotropic mantle structure.
In addition to imaging seismology, I’m interested in earthquake source processes, particularly deep seismicity. My work in this regard is focused on careful analysis of seismograms from densely recorded deep-focus events to extract the kinematics of rupture for the event.
Bezada, M. J. (2017), Insights into the lithospheric architecture of Iberia and Morocco from teleseismic body-wave attenuation, Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 478, 14-26. 10.1016/j.epsl.2017.08.029.
Singh, S. K., M. J. Bezada, D. Elouai, and M. Harnafi (2016), Apparently-deep events in the Middle Atlas resolved to be shallow: Implications for lithospheric deformation, Tectonophysics, 691, Part B, 263–270, doi:10.1016/j.tecto.2016.10.015.
Bezada, M. J., M. Faccenda, and D. R. Toomey (2016), Representing anisotropic subduction zones with isotropic velocity models: A characterization of the problem and some steps on a possible path forward, Geochemistry Geophysics Geosystems, n/a-n/a, doi:10.1002/2016GC006507.
Heath, B. A., E. E. E. Hooft, D. R. Toomey, and M. J. Bezada (2015), Imaging the magmatic system of Newberry Volcano using joint active source and teleseismic tomography, Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, 16(12), 4433–4448, doi:10.1002/2015GC006129.
Humphreys, E. D., B. Schmandt, M. J. Bezada, and J. Perry-Houts (2015), Recent craton growth by slab stacking beneath Wyoming, Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 429, 170–180, doi:10.1016/j.epsl.2015.07.066.
Levander, A., Bezada, M.J., Niu, F., Humphreys, E.D., Palomeras, I., Thurner, S.M., Masy, J., Schmitz, M., Gallart, J., Carbonell, R., Miller, M.S. (2014), Subduction-driven recycling of continental margin lithosphere. Nature 515, 253–256. doi:10.1038/nature13878
Bezada, M.J., Humphreys, E.D., Davila, J. m., Carbonell, R., Harnafi, M., Palomeras, I., Levander, A. (2014), Piecewise delamination of Moroccan lithosphere from beneath the Atlas Mountains. Geochemistry Geophysics Geosystems. n/a–n/a. doi:10.1002/2013GC005059
Bezada, M.J. (2014), The Waveform Browser, an Interactive and Intuitive Tool for Exploring Seismic Event Data. Seismological Research Letters 85, 192–196. doi:10.1785/0220130032