Mr. Zaifeng Liu

Research intersts

My research interest is using numerical simulation to detect the rupture behavior in complex fault systems, especially strike-slip fault systems. Right now, I am concentrating on modeling two parallel strike-slip fault systems and their interaction under the existence of plastic deformation and pore-pressure change.

Ph.D. Thesis Topic

  Multicycle earthquake rupture simulation on a geometrically complex fault system: the Altyn Tagh fault in northwest China. (In collaboration with Paleoseismologists from University of California, Davis)

Selected Publications

1. Liu Zaifeng. Zhan Wenhuan. Yao Yantao, et al., Kinematics of convergence and deformation in Luzon Island and Adjacent Sea Area: 2-D finite-element simulation. Journal of  Earth Science. 20: 107-116. 2009
2. Liu Zaifeng. Zhan Wenhuan. Zhang Zhiqiang. Tectonic implication of the double island arc between Taiwan and Luzon. Geotectonia et Metallogenia (In Chinese). 31: 151-156. 2007
3. Yao Yantao. Zhan Wenhuan. Liu Zaifeng. Neotectonics of the Pear River Delta and its Relationship with the Deltaic Evolution.  Journal of  Seismology in South China (In Chinese). 28: 29-39. 2008
4. Dynamics of parallel strike-slip faults with pore fluid pressure change and off-fault damage, 2012, BSSA (In Review)

Work Experience

1. Research Assistant, Department of Geology & Geophysics, TAMU. 

   . Working with my advisor (Dr. Duan) on the NSF and SCEC financed research topics.

2. Shell International Exploration & Production Company, Houston, Texas

Geophysical Summer Intern    May 2011 - August 2011

 . In charge of developing the newly introduced optimization algorithm: Particle Swarm Optimization Method. 

. Coded the algorithm into Fortran code and several standard geophysical inversion testing problems have been used to test the performance of the PSO Fortran code.

3. Shell Exploration & Production Company, Houston, Texas

Geological Summer Intern  May 2012 - August 2012

. In charge of evaluating the trap integarity of researviors in Paleogene in Gulf Of Mexico (GOM) in terms of their Vertical Effective Stress (VES) within the drilled well and the apex of the trap structure.

. Made a statistical analysis of the calculated VES in Paleogene reservior of GOM, and gave out the safty range of VES for future drilling operations in Paleogene reservior of GOM.

Honors and Awards

 1. John W. Handin tectonophysic fellowship 

 2. ConocoPhillips Spirit Schalorship

Volunteer Work

 1. Back to School FEEST sponsored by the houston ISD ( 2011)

 2. Food Bank service in Bryan. (2011)