Research

(2021) Grand Canyon, AZ

My current research (advised by Dr. Eric Lindsey) focuses on understanding interseismic deformation using geodetic observations (e.g., InSAR and GNSS) and models. I'm also working to expand my research on the initiation and characterizing of mass wasting (e.g. debris flow and landslides) primarily in the southwest of the US using models and remote and field observations. 

I'm currently searching for a post-doc position starting in Fall 2025!

For my master's research (advised by Dr. Eileen Evans), I worked on understanding the crustal deformation caused by plate motion in the Pacific Northwest using computational modeling called block models. For my undergraduate research, I analyzed the coseismic deformation of the 2018 Papua New Guinea earthquake using the sub-pixel offset method (advised by Dr. ​Mong-Han Huang). 

My work led me to explore several geodetic and remote sensing techniques such as block modeling, Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR), and Synthetic Aperture Radar pixel tracking (sub-pixel offset). I'm also interested in applying techniques such as lidar, optical imagery analysis, and SfM photogrammetry to study localized scaled geomorphological changes.  There are several regions that I've worked in and are currently my focus including the Pacific Northwest (US), Southern California, Southeast Asia (e.g. Borneo, Myanmar), and Papua New Guinea. 

Additionally, I enjoy making 3D-printed topographic profiles and other geology-related models for educational purposes (introductory geology classes). Along with illustrations, these 3D models are useful in helping students visualize topographic maps, cross-section profiles, and structural geology.

Feel free to contact me for more information or posters for the projects!

Geodesy

Investigating the Mechanics of Strain Partitioning at the Rakhine-Bangladesh Megathrust Using InSAR Time-series

Advised by Eric Lindsey

Collaborators: Bar Oryan, Lin Shen, Michael Steckler

The Rakhine-Bangladesh megathrust is overlaid by km-deep sediments allowing us to characterize the shallow properties of the megathrust on land. Here, we processed the ALOS-2 InSAR time-series and identified regional scale structures that could affect the seismic potential in the region.

This research is funded by NASA FINESST 2022.


Published Paper

Chong, J.‐H., Oryan, B., Shen, L., Steckler,M. S., & Lindsey, E. O. (2025).Interseismic uplift of anticlines above the Rakhine‐Bangladesh megathrust from ALOS‐2 InSAR. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 130,e2024JB030003. https://doi.org/10.1029/2024JB030003 

Modeling deformation of the Cascadia Subduction Zone

Advised by Eric Lindsey

This research is funded by NASA FINESST 2022.

In prep


Evaluating Strain Partitioning in the Pacific Northwest using block modeling

Advised by Eileen L. Evans

The Cascadia subduction zone is an oblique subduction zone capable of producing megathrust earthquakes (e.g., the 1700 Cascadia earthquake). This study aims to better understand how oblique Juan de Fuca-North America convergence is partitioned between surface faults in the Pacific Northwest region and the subduction zone using block models. 

In review

Presentations

SSA 2021 presentation - (link)

Sub-Pixel Offset analysis of the 2018 Mw 7.5 Papua New Guinea Earthquake

Advised by Mong-Han Huang

The 2018 Mw7.5 earthquake was the largest earthquake recorded in the Papua New Guinea Highlands. We were able to resolve near-field deformation using the sub-pixel offset of Sentinel-1 SAR images. Our results show up to 2 meters of uplift and 4 meters of horizontal displacement as well as triggered landslides. We propose that the earthquake ruptured two separate faults of different geometries and it is possible that it involved a detachment fault.

This is a continuation of my undergraduate research on the same topic advised by Mong-Han Huang. 


Published paper

Chong, J.-H., and M.-H. Huang (2020). Refining the 2018 Mw 7.5 Papua New Guinea Earthquake Fault-Slip Model Using Subpixel Offset, Bull. Seismol. Soc. Am. 111(2), 1032–1042, doi: 10.1785/0120200250


Mass wasting

Capturing debris flow initiation remotely

Advised by: Scott Hauswirth, Louis Scuderi

Collaborators: David Stone, Brandon Page, Adit Ghosh, Eric Lindsey

I'm interested in studying debris flow initiation using numerical modeling and remote observations. In this research, I aim to study the effects of low-intensity rainfall to constrain the debris flow likelihood in subsequent years. Secondly, I'm developing a method that utilizes high repeat satellite imagery to look into vegetation estimation to improve our model estimation.

I'm also interested in applying this method to fires affected by monsoons (e.g., Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon in New Mexico).

In prep


Hydrogeology

Estimating river properties using DEM

Collaborators: Adit Ghosh and Scott Hauswirth

This project started as a hydrogeology class project inspired by the question "How can we estimate the river sediment discharge of a river with limited access for sample collection?". In this study, we propose a method to estimate the river properties along a river (water stage, velocity, discharge, sediment discharge, etc) with limited gauging stations by using only freely available Digital Elevation Models (DEM) and software. 


Presentations

Other research interests