Jun 17, 2025
SZNet for Global Science
SZNet, the international collaboration component of SZ4D, had great engagement in the first half of 2025, and is disseminating the results and outcomes from its workshops, virtual events, and field trips.
2025 US & Chile Exchange Program
Meet the first two early career researchers who participated in the 2025 iteration of the US & Chile Exchange Program, and learn about their experiences and scientific achievements below.
We’re also excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for the 2026 US & Chile Exchange Program through the SZNet webpage. With over 30 researchers registered as hosts, we welcome participant applications through October 1st 2025.
We’re looking forward to meeting the next cohort of outstanding early career scientists!!
Meet Karissa Vermillion
About Karissa’s research project
This exchange was my first foray into tectonic geomorphology. The main goal of this project was to determine if reactivated faults (i.e., the Atacama Fault for example) contributed to the relative uplift of the Coastal Cordillera in the southern Atacama Desert by using a combination of the following: (1) argon geochronology of interbedded tuffs in the gravels, (2) detrital zircon work to assess provenance, and (3) cosmogenic nuclide dating for exposure ages. Our work was predominantly focused in the Pan de Azúcar National Park, but we also investigated the Salado Canyon by Chañaral during our two field trips. This project is part of project Fondecyt 11240413, "The Behavior of a Subduction Wedge in an Erosive Margin: Influence of Ridge Subduction and Upper-Plate Faults on Along-Strike Morphostructural Variability Above the Atacama Seismic Gap,” where María Pía is the Principle Researcher, and I am a new collaborator. This project was funded by the Chilean science agency, ANID (Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo).
While we don’t have results yet, we discovered some interesting things in the field. We identified multiple episodes of gravels and have a much better handle on the stratigraphy and possible tectonic controls. We collected three samples for argon geochronology, and were quite lucky in that these interbedded tuffs evaded the pervasive supergene alteration found in many places! We were also quite fortunate to find lenses of sand in one of the gravels and collected one sample for future detrital zircon work. We are working with the New Mexico Geochronology Research Laboratory for the argon analyses, and are hoping to send our samples out for irradiation this upcoming fall. These analyses, in tandem with geomorphic surface mapping, will be key in determining the appropriate locations for cosmogenic dating.
My host, Maria Pia was lovely and made me feel very involved with her department at the University of Andres Bello where I talked with the other professors and even attended a tectonics seminar. Additionally, I was able to work with two of her undergraduate students in the field, and it was great being able to guide them through making columnar sections in the field. We had a lot of fun in the Atacama Desert, and actually experienced a 6.4 earthquake while out in the field! I loved the Chilean culture and geology and would love to work there in the future if possible.
About Karissa
Karissa Vermillion is a third year Ph.D. geology candidate working with Dr. Peter Copeland at the University of Houston. She has previously obtained her BS from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and a MS from New Mexico State University. For her doctoral dissertation, she has returned home to the San Gabriel Mountains in southern California to investigate tectonic processes spanning the Proterozoic to the Cenozoic utilizing a variety of geochronology techniques. She is passionate about integrating geochemistry, geochronology, and other geologic disciplines to better understand large-scale tectonics. In her free time, she enjoys relaxing with her cats, scuba diving, and learning Spanish.
Meet Camila Monge
About Camila’s research project
The main goal of my exchange at Cornell University was to assess surface deformation in south-central Chile using InSAR, in collaboration with Dr. Rowena Lohman. During my time there, I investigated multiple sources of ground deformation, including anthropogenic changes linked to mining activity at El Teniente Mine, forearc uplift following the 2010 Maule earthquake, and previously unrecognized landslide deformation near the Diamante Caldera, close to the Chile–Argentina border.
These findings offer a multi-dimensional understanding of subduction zone deformation, showing how deep megathrust activity, shallow gravitational processes, and human-induced changes interact to shape surface deformation. This integrated perspective gives us the potential to better interpret surface signals, model geodynamic behavior, and enhance hazard assessments at multiple scales.
At Cornell, I had the privilege of working with Dr. Rowena Lohman, Dr. Matt Pritchard and the CRIttRS group (Cornell Radar Interferometry and Remote Sensing), a diverse and dynamic team using remote sensing to study a wide range wide range of phenomena—from volcanic activity to land surface changes associated with agriculture. The environment was scientifically stimulating and deeply collaborative—I learned a great deal through group meetings, paper discussions, and other academic events. At the same time, the team was incredibly kind and welcoming, making me feel like a true part of the lab from the very beginning.
This exchange not only helped advance my research but also laid the groundwork for continued collaboration. We identified overlapping interests and complementary expertise, and I’m looking forward to building on this work together.
About Camila
Ever since I can remember, I’ve been curious about the world and how it works. Growing up surrounded by earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity awakened my passion for understanding the subduction zone I live on—and its immense capacity to move and reshape the ground beneath my feet.
I studied Geophysics at the University of Concepción, where I was introduced to geodesy. It was space geodesy techniques, however, that truly captured my attention, opening up a world of possibilities to study Earth's dynamic processes and the signals they leave behind. I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, hoping to contribute to the advancement of frontier science in this remarkable natural laboratory of geophysical phenomena.
I first learned about the SZ4Net US-Chile Exchange Program through my advisor, Marcos Moreno, who has consistently encouraged me to see science as a collaborative effort, grounded in mutual support and the exchange of ideas. At Cornell University, Professor Rowena Lohman warmly welcomed me into her lab, where I became part of a generous, collaborative, and inspiring research group. It was a valuable experience that deepened my understanding of how remote sensing can be used to study Earth processes and reinforced the importance of doing science as part of a supportive community. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity and hope we’ll have the chance to collaborate again in the future.
Global Instrumentation Efforts
At the SZNet Ocean Floor Observational Technology Workshop this January, over 80 scientists convened in Santiago, Chile to advance global efforts in ocean floor instrumentation. The workshop focused on sharing technical expertise, discussing current ocean floor observational capabilities, and highlighting knowledge gaps. The workshop organizers produced a report summarizing the outcomes of the two day workshop. and listing their outcomes, specifically highlighting needs of the community to help target the focus of future efforts. The report specifically highlights the importance of deploying a strategically designed multi-sensor offshore array to study important subduction zone processes. The report discusses the core instrumentation needed and potential implementation plans.
We encourage the SZ4D community to read this report and stay involved!
Ocean Floor Observational Technology Workshop Organizers:
Laura Wallace - University of Texas, Austin & GEOMAR
Ignacio Sepulveda - San Diego State University
Marcos Moreno - Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Wenyuan Fan - Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Eiichiro Araki - JAMSTEC & The Science of Slow to Fast Earthquakes Network
Workshop participants in Santiago Chile.
Scientists visit the SHOA to learn about the Chilean tsunami warning system.
Increasing Access to Legacy Data
Last October, over 50 scientists from around the globe met virtually to discuss subduction zone time series legacy data that would benefit from public, open access and to identify common barriers to archiving. Keynotes from multiple archiving agencies highlighted current archiving policies, procedures, while scientists studying subduction zone geohazards shared examples of key, yet inaccessible time series datasets. The workshop organizers produced a report emphasizing the community’s archival needs and proposing potential paths forward, including high-value datasets that hold significant relevance for both SZ4D and the global scientific community. Feel free to read the report below and watch any of the talks from this virtual workshop on the SZ4D Youtube Channel.
International Field Trips
In January, a group of international scientists from a range of career stages, guided by local experts, spent 10 days in the field crossing central Chile from east to west - beginning their journey in the volcanic cordillera and making stops in the central valley and coastal regions to explore stratigraphic exposures and landforms. The immersive field experience provided a comprehensive introduction to Chilean geology while fostering collaboration and mentorship. Early career scientists were encouraged to envision future research projects inspired by the field trip. The trip was led by Dr. Felipe Aron (Universidad de Chile) and Dr. George Hilley (Stanford University) who compiled a detailed field guide featuring geologic background, potential discussion topics, and suggested field activities for each stop. The guide is a valuable educational resource, allowing scientists to recreate the experience and increase access to Chile’s remarkable geology.
SZNet is excited to announce that there will be more of these experiences in the near future. Our committees are currently reviewing proposals for pilot projects planned for 2026 in the US Cascades and 2027 in Chile. Keep an eye on this space!
Photo captions (from left to right, top to bottom)
Field participants reviewing geologic background before heading out to the field
Field participants examining an outcrop in the Andes near Laguna del Maule
George Hilley and trip participants discussing map features at one of the field stops.
Mauricio Espinoza pointing out features on a map at one of the field stops
Bladimir Saldaña showing field trip participants tsunami deposits near Iloca.
Andrés Tassara and Mauricio Espinoza reviewing the geologic formation of the area
Field Participants examining a lava flow at Laguna del Maule