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Christine McCarthy

Self Introduction

My research focuses on how microstructure influences macroscopic behavior. Specifically, I use laboratory experiments to measure the physical properties (creep strength, attenuation, friction) of earth and planetary materials. Between 2009 and 2011 I enjoyed a two-year postdoc position at ERI working with Dr. Yasuko Takei. We performed attenuation experiments on an analogue material to mantle rock. We obtained very nice results that demonstrated how grain size, temperature, composition, and melt fraction influence attenuation and modulus. We provided a scaling law that could be used by seismologists to link results from laboratory experiments to seismic frequencies and mantle conditions. I return to ERI to continue the study by looking now at the effect of strain history. I will work closely with Dr. Takei and her team (Postdoc Suzuki-san and graduate student Yamauchi-san) to see how dislocation density from pre-deformation of samples will influence attenuation and modulus.

Back in the States I am a postdoctoral researcher at Lamont-Doherty. I work in the Rock Mechanics lab where I am designing and building a new apparatus that will measure the friction of ice as it is slid against rock with a periodic driving stress. With these tests I hope to better understand the mechanisms by which tides modulate flow rates and affect stability of tidewater glaciers in Antarctica and Greenland.

I am here in Japan with my 9-month old daughter and my mother. I’m very happy to have the opportunity to return to Japan, especially at this, the most beautiful, time of the year.