About

Weisen Shen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Stony Brook University. His research focuses on field and computational seismology, contributing to the understanding of seismic phenomena through both observational and theoretical approaches. As a faculty member, he is involved in interdisciplinary research within the geological sciences, leveraging the department's strengths in various geoscience disciplines.

Research topics

• Geology
• Seismology
• Geophysics
• Optics
• Climatology
• Geomorphology
• Petrology
• Geodesy
• Earth science
• Physics

Selected publications

• Comment on egusphere-2025-6370

  2026-03-29

  peer-reviewOpen access

  <strong class="journal-contentHeaderColor">Abstract.</strong> The Antarctic Ice Sheet (AIS) plays a major role in the global climate, providing a natural laboratory to study the processes that interlink the cryosphere, solid Earth, atmosphere, and hydrosphere. Through its ongoing mass loss, the AIS currently contributes to global-mean sea-level rise at a rate of 0.4 mm/a. However, its impact on and feedback with climate and the details associated with sea-level changes are still poorly understood. To generate more reliable projections for the future, there is an urgent need to substantially improve our knowledge of the solid-Earth properties and subsequent response to ice-mass variations in space and time. This issue has been identified as a key question by the international community, strongly supported by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR). We review how state-of-the-art Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and seismic networks in Antarctica, in combination with further ground-based, airborne and satellite-based geophysical measurements, have been used to significantly advance our understanding of solid-Earth processes and their impact on the cryosphere. Based on these recent achievements, a vision is articulated for science-driven, multidisciplinary geophysical observations and corresponding technological developments. Future research activities should be coordinated to answer the most urgent science questions. For example, how can we consistently test and model, respectively, a realistic mantle rheology, including lateral inhomogeneities and transient relaxation, together with AIS mass changes on all time scales since the last glacial maximum, including Holocene retreat and re-advance? What processes and boundary conditions should coupled ice-sheet / gravity-rotation-deformation models include in order to reflect realistically the complex interaction between the solid Earth, ice sheet and ocean? Long-term observations and improved modelling must be combined to develop precise and reliable projections for Antarctica&rsquo;s future mass change and associated contribution to sea-level change at both regional and global scales.

  PublisherDOI

• Geophysics in Antarctica: Achievements, Current Capabilities, and Future Directions

  2026-02-23

  articleOpen access

  Abstract. The Antarctic Ice Sheet (AIS) plays a major role in the global climate, providing a natural laboratory to study the processes that interlink the cryosphere, solid Earth, atmosphere, and hydrosphere. Through its ongoing mass loss, the AIS currently contributes to global-mean sea-level rise at a rate of 0.4 mm/a. However, its impact on and feedback with climate and the details associated with sea-level changes are still poorly understood. To generate more reliable projections for the future, there is an urgent need to substantially improve our knowledge of the solid-Earth properties and subsequent response to ice-mass variations in space and time. This issue has been identified as a key question by the international community, strongly supported by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR). We review how state-of-the-art Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and seismic networks in Antarctica, in combination with further ground-based, airborne and satellite-based geophysical measurements, have been used to significantly advance our understanding of solid-Earth processes and their impact on the cryosphere. Based on these recent achievements, a vision is articulated for science-driven, multidisciplinary geophysical observations and corresponding technological developments. Future research activities should be coordinated to answer the most urgent science questions. For example, how can we consistently test and model, respectively, a realistic mantle rheology, including lateral inhomogeneities and transient relaxation, together with AIS mass changes on all time scales since the last glacial maximum, including Holocene retreat and re-advance? What processes and boundary conditions should coupled ice-sheet / gravity-rotation-deformation models include in order to reflect realistically the complex interaction between the solid Earth, ice sheet and ocean? Long-term observations and improved modelling must be combined to develop precise and reliable projections for Antarctica’s future mass change and associated contribution to sea-level change at both regional and global scales.

  PublisherDOI

• A crustal thermal model of the conterminous United States constrained by multiple data sets: a Monte–Carlo approach

  Geophysical Journal International · 2025-03-28 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  SUMMARY The thermal structure of the continental crust plays a critical role in understanding its elastic and rheologic properties as well as its dynamic processes. Thermal parameter data sets on continental scales have been used to constrain the crustal thermal structure, including both the direct (e.g. temperature, heat flux and heat conductivity measured at the surface) and indirect (e.g. seismically derived Mohorovičić discontinuity (Moho) temperature, geomagnetically derived Curie depth) observations. In this study, we present a new continental scale crustal heat generation model with additional information from seismologically inferred crustal composition. Together with previous direct and indirect thermal parameter data sets in the conterminous United States, we use the new crustal heat generation model to construct a 3-D crustal temperature model under a newly developed Bayesian framework. Specifically, we first derive profiles of crustal heat generation based on an empirical geochemical relationship at 1683 locations where seismologically derived crustal composition information is available. Then for each of these locations, the average heat generation values in the upper, middle and lower crust are combined with other thermal parameters through a Markov Chain Monte-Carlo inversion for a conductive, vertically smooth temperature profile. The results, posterior distributions of temperature profiles, are used to generate a 3-D crustal thermal model with the uncertainties systematically assessed. The new temperature model overall exhibits similar patterns to that from the U.S. Geological Survey National Crustal Model, but also reduces possible biases and the model's dependence on a single thermal parameter.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Along-Strike Variations of Alaska Subduction Zone Structure and Hydration Determined From Amphibious Seismic Data

  2024-03-05 · 1 citations

  preprintOpen access

  We develop a 3-D isotropic shear velocity model for the Alaska subduction zone using data from seafloor and land-based seismographs to investigate along-strike variations in structure. By applying ambient noise and teleseismic Helmholtz tomography, we derive Rayleigh wave group and phase velocity dispersion maps, then invert them for shear velocity structure using a Bayesian Monte Carlo algorithm. For land-based stations, we perform a joint inversion of receiver functions and dispersion curves. The forearc crust is relatively thick (35-42 km) and has reduced lower crustal velocities beneath the Kodiak and Semidi segments, which may promote higher seismic coupling. Bristol Bay Basin crust is relatively thin and has a high-velocity lower layer, suggesting a dense mafic lower crust emplaced by the rifting processes. The incoming plate shows low uppermost mantle velocities, indicating serpentinization. This hydration is more pronounced in the Shumagin segment, with greater velocity reduction extending to 18 ± 3 km depth, compared to the Semidi segment, showing smaller reductions extending to 14 ± 3 km depth. Our estimates of percent serpentinization from V S reduction and V P /V S are larger than those determined using V P reduction in prior studies, likely due to water in cracks affecting V S more than V P . Revised estimates of serpentinization show that more water subducts than previous studies, and that twice as much mantle water is subducted in the Shumagin segment compared to the Semidi segment. Together with estimates from other subduction zones, the results indicate a wide variation in subducted mantle water between different subduction segments.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Geophysical Evidence of the Collisional Suture Zone in the Prydz Bay, East Antarctica

  Geophysical Research Letters · 2024-01-17 · 46 citations

  articleOpen access

  Abstract The location and origin of Neoproterozoic‐Cambrian sutures provide keys to understand the formation and evolution of the supercontinent Gondwana. The Larsemann Hills is located near a major Neoproterozoic‐Cambrian suture zone in the Prydz Belt, but has not been examined locally by comprehensive geophysical studies. In this study, we analyzed data collected from a one‐dimensional (1D) joint seismic‐MT array deployed during the 36th Chinese National Antarctic Research Expedition. We found that a sharp Moho discontinuity offset of 6–8 km shows up in the stacked image of teleseismic P‐wave receiver function analysis; coinciding with the abrupt Moho offset, a near‐vertical channel with (a) low resistivity extending to the uppermost mantle depths, and (b) high crustal Poisson's ratio in the crust is identified. These findings provide evidence for the determination of the location and collisional nature of the Prydz belt or a portion of it.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Along‐Strike Variations of Alaska Subduction Zone Structure and Hydration Determined From Amphibious Seismic Data

  Journal of Geophysical Research Solid Earth · 2024-03-01 · 15 citations

  article

  Abstract We develop a 3‐D isotropic shear velocity model for the Alaska subduction zone using data from seafloor and land‐based seismographs to investigate along‐strike variations in structure. By applying ambient noise and teleseismic Helmholtz tomography, we derive Rayleigh wave group and phase velocity dispersion maps, then invert them for shear velocity structure using a Bayesian Monte Carlo algorithm. For land‐based stations, we perform a joint inversion of receiver functions and dispersion curves. The forearc crust is relatively thick (35–42 km) and has reduced lower crustal velocities beneath the Kodiak and Semidi segments, which may promote higher seismic coupling. Bristol Bay Basin crust is relatively thin and has a high‐velocity lower layer, suggesting a dense mafic lower crust emplaced by the rifting processes. The incoming plate shows low uppermost mantle velocities, indicating serpentinization. This hydration is more pronounced in the Shumagin segment, with greater velocity reduction extending to 18 ± 3 km depth, compared to the Semidi segment, showing smaller reductions extending to 14 ± 3 km depth. Our estimates of percent serpentinization from V S reduction and V P /V S are larger than those determined using V P reduction in prior studies, likely due to water in cracks affecting V S more than V P . Revised estimates of serpentinization show that more water subducts than previous studies, and that twice as much mantle water is subducted in the Shumagin segment compared to the Semidi segment. Together with estimates from other subduction zones, the results indicate a wide variation in subducted mantle water between different subduction segments.

  PublisherDOI

• Crustal and Uppermost Mantle Azimuthal Seismic Anisotropy of Antarctica From Ambient Noise Tomography

  Journal of Geophysical Research Solid Earth · 2024-01-01 · 4 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Abstract Seismic anisotropy provides essential information for characterizing the orientation of deformation and flow in the crust and mantle. The isotropic structure of the Antarctic crust and upper mantle has been determined by previous studies, but the azimuthal anisotropy structure has only been constrained by mantle core phase (SKS) splitting observations. This study determines the azimuthal anisotropic structure of the crust and mantle beneath the central and West Antarctica based on 8—55 s Rayleigh wave phase velocities from ambient noise cross‐correlation. An anisotropic Rayleigh wave phase velocity map was created using a ray—based tomography method. These data are inverted using a Bayesian Monte Carlo method to obtain an azimuthal anisotropy model with uncertainties. The azimuthal anisotropy structure in most of the study region can be fit by a two‐layer structure, with one layer at depths of 0–15 km in the shallow crust and the other layer in the uppermost mantle. The azimuthal anisotropic layer in the shallow crust of West Antarctica, where it coincides with strong positive radial anisotropy quantified by the previous study, shows a fast direction that is subparallel to the inferred extension direction of the West Antarctic Rift System. Fast directions of upper mantle azimuthal anisotropy generally align with teleseismic shear wave splitting fast directions, suggesting a thin lithosphere or similar lithosphere‐asthenosphere deformation. However, inconsistencies in this exist in Marie Byrd Land, indicating differing ancient deformation patterns in the shallow mantle lithosphere sampled by the surface waves and deformation in the deeper mantle and asthenosphere sampled more strongly by splitting measurements.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Are there thick sediments within South Pole Basin? Investigating the lithology of SPB using COLDEX airborne geophysics&amp;#160;

  2024-03-08 · 1 citations

  preprintOpen access

  Because sedimentary basins may exert considerable control over ice sheet dynamics and basal heat flow, it is vital to constrain the extent, thickness, and level of consolidation of sediments throughout the continent and at local scales. Until recently, the South Pole Basin (SPB), situated between the Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains, the Transantarctic Mountains, and Recovery Subglacial Highlands, has been one of Antarctica's least-explored regions. Previous studies based on seismic and machine learning models, including those by Baranov &amp;amp; Morelli (2023) and Li et al. (2022), have characterized SPB as a sedimentary basin with sediment thicknesses exceeding 1 km. Conversely, a seismic study conducted by Zhou et al. (2022) identifies SPB as a region with little to no sedimentary rock. A lack of dense geophysical data as well as the inherent difficulty of studying geology beneath the Antarctic Ice Sheet introduced a large amount of uncertainty into these assessments. Recent airborne radar, gravity, and magnetics data collected by the Center for Oldest Ice Exploration (COLDEX) has revealed two distinct geomorphological provinces within South Pole Basin: the southern portion of SPB which exhibits relatively smooth, reflective bedrock, while the northern SBP manifests as much rougher terrain. The abrupt boundary between Inner and Outer SPB is associated with the onset of subglacial melting, inferred from a rapid thinning of the basal layer, decreased ice sheet surface slope, and presence of subglacial lake-like features. In addition to surficial differences, these provinces are marked by distinct free-air, Bouguer, and isostatic gravity signatures. A large, arc-shaped magnetic high parallel to Recovery Subglacial Highlands cuts across SBP, facilitating a robust depth to basement analysis and providing constraints for gravity inversions. By integrating COLDEX data with previous airborne surveys and newly collected seismic data, we offer a revised geological interpretation of the South Pole Basin and discuss its tectonic history, potential for groundwater storage, and the preservation of ancient ice in this region.

  PublisherDOI

• Incorporating H‐ <i>κ</i> Stacking With Monte Carlo Joint Inversion of Multiple Seismic Observables: A Case Study for the Northwestern US

  Journal of Geophysical Research Solid Earth · 2024-06-27 · 3 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  Abstract Accurately determining the seismic structure of the continental deep crust is crucial for understanding its geological evolution and continental dynamics in general. However, traditional tools such as surface waves often face challenges in solving the trade‐offs between elastic parameters and discontinuities. In this work, we present a new approach that combines two established inversion techniques, receiver function H‐ κ stacking and joint inversion of surface wave dispersion and receiver function waveforms, within a Bayesian Monte Carlo (MC) framework to address these challenges. Demonstrated by synthetic tests, the new method greatly reduces trade‐offs between critical parameters, such as the deep crustal Vs, Moho depth, and crustal Vp/Vs ratio. This eliminates the need for assumptions regarding crustal Vp/Vs ratios in joint inversion, leading to a more accurate outcome. Furthermore, it improves the precision of the upper mantle velocity structure by reducing its trade‐off with Moho depth. Additional notes on the sources of bias in the results are also included. Application of the new approach to USArray stations in the Northwestern US reveals consistency with previous studies and identifies new features. Notably, we find elevated Vp/Vs ratios in the crystalline crust of regions such as coastal Oregon, suggesting potential mafic composition or fluid presence. Shallower Moho depth in the Basin and Range indicates reduced crustal support to the elevation. The uppermost mantle Vs, averaging 5 km below Moho, aligns well with the Pn‐derived Moho temperature variations, offering the potential of using Vs as an additional constraint to Moho temperature and crustal thermal properties.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Geophysical Evidence of the Collisional Suture Zone in the Prydz Bay, East Antarctica

  2023-09-11 · 1 citations

  preprintOpen access

  The location and origin of Neoproterozoic-Cambrian sutures provide keys to understand the formation and evolution of the supercontinent Gondwana. The Larsemann Hills is located near a major Neoproterozoic-Cambrian suture zone in the Prydz Belt, but has not been examined locally by comprehensive geophysical studies. In this study, we analyzed data collected from a 1-D joint seismic-MT array deployed during the 36th Chinese National Antarctic Research Expedition. We found that a sharp Moho discontinuity offset of 6-8 km shows up in the stacked image of teleseismic P-wave receiver function analysis; coinciding with the abrupt Moho offset, a near-vertical channel with (1) low resistivity extending to the uppermost mantle depths, and (2) a high crustal Poisson’s ratio in the crust is identified. These findings provide evidence for the determination of the location and collisional nature of the Prydz belt or a portion of it.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

Recent grants

• CAREER: A Comprehensive Seismic Investigation to the Crust and Uppermost Mantle Beneath the South Pole, East Antarctica

  NSF · $627k · 2023–2028

• Accurately mapping the seismic structure of the deep crust of the continental United States

  NSF · $314k · 2023–2026

• Collaborative Research: Seismic Investigation of the Sub-ice Environment and Crustal Composition of Antarctica

  NSF · $263k · 2020–2023

Frequent coauthors

• M. H. Ritzwoller

  University of Colorado Boulder

  30 shared

• Douglas A. Wiens

  Washington University in St. Louis

  26 shared

• V. Schulte‐Pelkum

  17 shared

• Fan‐Chi Lin

  University of Utah

  14 shared

• A. J. Lloyd

  Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory

  13 shared

• A. Nyblade

  12 shared

• Yingjie Yang

  12 shared

• Siyuan Sui

  Stony Brook University

  11 shared

Education

• Ph.D of Geophysics, Department of Physics

  University of Colorado Boulder

  2014