Solid Earth and cryosphere responses to the changing climate

This thematic area focuses on understanding how the solid Earth and cryosphere respond to the changing climate, especially in its expression in the migration of frost and icequakes linked to the biological and atmospheric effects of melting permafrost.
Main research groups

The Dynamic Systems Seismology group analyzes natural and anthropogenic seismic signals with a focus on array techniques to image and monitor a wide range of solid Earth and environmental phenomena associated with dynamic systems. We apply seismic data processing and numerical modeling to understand the properties and the functioning of systems such as fault zones, ice sheets, and geoenergy systems, and the interrelations with their environments. The Dynamic Systems Seismology group is part of the FAME Flagship of Advanced Mathematics for Sensing, Imaging and Modelling community, and are involved in the associated DREAM doctoral education pilot at the University of Helsinki. 

Group leader: Professor Gregor Hillers

Environmental Seismology investigates seismic signals to understand how the solid Earth and cryosphere respond to a changing climate. The focus is on several key environmental phenomena, such as soil moisture variations, groundwater migration, permafrost dynamics, seasonal frost evolution, ice behaviors, and ocean activities, using seismic imaging techniques to monitor these dynamic processes. By integrating seismic data analysis with environmental observations and modeling, the aim is to reveal the links between external climatic factors (e.g., temperature, precipitation, and atmospheric forcing) and subsurface changes. This work contributes to a broader understanding of climate-driven geophysical processes and supports interdisciplinary efforts in environmental seismology.

University Researcher Yang Lyu started working at the UH Institute of Seismology, Department of Geosciences and Geography in February 2025, focusing on environmental seismology.

Main research infrastructure