Qi Zhou
Tell us about yourself:
My name is Qi Zhou, and I am a PhD candidate at the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam, Germany. I completed my Master's degree under the supervision of Prof. Qiang Xu at the SKLGP State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection in China. Currently, I am working with Prof. Jean Braun, Dr. Jens Turowski, Dr. Hui Tang, and Dr. Michael Dietze for my PhD project.
What is your research about?
With climate change affecting various regions, the occurrence of natural disasters like glacier-lake-outburst debris flows in the Himalayas, post-fire debris flows in California, and rainfall-triggered debris flows in the Alps has become a significant concern. These events pose serious threats to populated areas, resulting in substantial loss of life and damage to civil infrastructure. As a PhD candidate, my research is "Seismic signal-driven debris flow early warning system for catchment scale." The objective is to leverage the field of environmental seismology to monitor and mitigate the hazards associated with debris flows. The ultimate goal is to construct a non-site-specific debris flow detection and location model or workflow using machine learning and seismic signals.
What excites you about your research?
Seismic waves or ground vibrations serve as a remarkable footprint to the activities occurring in our world. While commonly associated with earthquakes, these waves can also be generated by various phenomena such as mass movements, fluvial processes, and even the movements of your beloved pets. Regardless of the magnitude, each active source emits its unique frequency and magnitude. In my research, I focus on monitoring Earth's surface processes, specifically debris flows, landslides, and rockfalls. By employing these sensitive sensors, we gain a better understanding of the dynamic processes involved.
What broader importance does your research have for society?
Despite extensive efforts to mitigate their hazard through risk assessment and structural measures, the intricate geological conditions and dynamic processes of mass movements frequently pose challenges in preventing property damage and fatalities. While early warning systems prove to be the most efficient approach to safeguarding people from debris flows and landslides. Most early warning models are difficult to migrate and replicate, we hope to our work could guide the policymakers to make optimal decisions and provide significant contributions to the safety and well-being of communities living in hazard-prone areas.
What inspired you to pursue a career in Earth Science?
After witnessing the devastating consequences of the 2008 Wenchuan 8.0 Mₛ earthquake, I felt a deep sense of sorrow and frustration. Motivated to alleviate natural hazards, I embarked on a mission to contribute to debris flow and landslide hazard mitigation. Additionally, the allure of natural landscapes beckoned me away from the noise of city life. Working in the great outdoors provided me with a sense of peace and inspiration.
What are you looking to do after you complete your PhD or postdoc?
In the short term, my immediate goal is to secure a postdoctoral position to expand my research. My long-term plan is to pursue a scientific career and establish myself as a dedicated geoscience researcher. I am passionate about making meaningful contributions to the field and driving advancements in hazard mitigation strategies.
Given unlimited funding and access to resources, what is your dream project that you would pursue?
I will try to explore the mass movements or earthquake for other planets, such as the moon or Mars, just in case one day we migrate to outer space and have to deal with debris flows and landslides.
What else do you do? Any hobbies or interests outside of work?
I like shooting Vlogs and playing basketball. The views of Potsdam and the Alps are super impressive, and the most enjoyable thing is sharing these nice memories with others through videos.