2025-2026 Lecturer: Brandon Schmandt

Brandon Schmandt

Rice University

Biography

Brandon Schmandt is a Professor in the Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences at Rice University. His research primarily uses the tools of seismology to study tectonic and magmatic processes across scales ranging from the local upper crust to continent-wide structures linked to mantle convection. He frequently conducts seismic field projects to fill data gaps and reach new levels of resolution of geoscience processes. Multiple recent projects focus on adapting seismic field approaches and data analysis to better understand modern magma reservoirs beneath volcanic fields of the western U.S. In addition to structural imaging studies, his research group investigates seismic source problems including explosion discrimination, injection-induced seismicity, and environmental sources. Schmandt received his PhD from the University of Oregon and did postdoctoral research at Caltech. He is a recipient of the AGU Macelwane Medal and a Fellow of the AGU and the Geological Society of America. His prior professional service in the geophysics community includes the IRIS and EarthScope Boards of Directors, Associate Editor for the SSA journal Seismological Research Letters, and AGU Seismology Section committees. He is an Associate Editor for AGU’s Journal of Geophysical Research – Solid Earth and a member of the SZ4D initiative’s Multi-Hazard Array team and Joint Science Working Group.


Abstract: Following the seismic trail to magma beneath Yellowstone

The rocks we live among at the surface of Earth were once magma and at exceptional locations around the world we witness magma erupt to form new rocks. But where and how much magma hides beneath the surface today? This question is difficult to answer, even at a place like Yellowstone caldera that is famous for its steaming hydrothermal features and explosive volcanic origin. The seismic picture of what lies beneath Yellowstone has come into focus over decades as seismic field instruments, data analysis methods, and computing power have advanced. The presentation will highlight steps toward the modern understanding of why the Yellowstone volcanic field exists in the middle of a continent and where magma exists beneath the caldera today. It will also highlight how natural magmatic laboratories like Yellowstone can provide practical insights into the potential of geothermal energy systems and the ancient volcanic processes that concentrated minerals essential to the modern economy.