Dr Brian Baptie

Brian obtained his Ph.D. in Seismology from the University of Edinburgh in 1995, after studying the behaviour of seismic waves in anisotropic wave-guides and their use for identifying fractured layers. He joined the British Geological Survey in 1996 as a member of the multi-disciplinary team monitoring the eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano in Montserrat, West Indies, where he was responsible for all aspects of the seismic monitoring, from data acquisition to interpretation of volcano-seismicity to local radio interviews, intended to improve understanding of volcanoes and earthquakes. While working on Montserrat he collaborated widely with colleagues both within the UK and overseas on work that has helped to gain key insights into the nature of volcanic earthquakes. In 1999 Brian joined the Seismology and Geomagnetism Programme to work mainly on improving understanding of natural seismic activity in the UK and offshore areas. In 2008 he became team leader of the Earthquake Seismology Team. He has also continued to study active volcanoes, including the ongoing eruption of the Soufriere Hills and Eyjafjallajokull. Areas of research interest include seismotectonics and stress regimes controlling UK seismicity and using passive seismicity to image crustal and upper mantle structure under the UK. Recent research has focused on the use cross-correlation of seismic noise to image spatial variations in the seismic velocity of the sub-surface.

Last modified: Mon, 10 Oct 2022 12:58:21 BST