Archived News & Research Milestones
Archived record of conference presentations, invited seminars, honors, publications, and career milestones of Dr. Hongyu Xiao, Geophysicist and Seismologist at the Oklahoma Geological Survey (OGS), University of Oklahoma.
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Conference Talk AI-Enhanced Nodal Array Detection of Induced Seismicity | AGU 2025
On , I presented this work at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana, introducing an AI-enhanced seismological framework that integrates dense nodal seismic arrays with fine-tuned machine learning models for induced and microseismic event detection. The approach improves detection sensitivity and monitoring reliability in the U.S. southern midcontinent, with direct relevance to carbon capture and storage (CCS/CCUS) monitoring, induced seismicity hazard assessment, and subsurface risk management.
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Conference Talk Machine Learning for Microseismicity Monitoring | ES-SSA 2025
On , I presented at the Eastern Section Seismological Society of America (ES-SSA) Annual Meeting in St. Louis, Missouri. My talk, "Machine Learning for Effective Microseismicity Monitoring", established regional benchmark datasets and evaluated adaptable machine learning models (including transfer learning workflows) for real-time microseismic monitoring and carbon sequestration safety in Oklahoma. The presentation was well received and sparked discussions on AI-driven seismic monitoring and geophysics applications.
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Conference Talk Crustal Shear Velocity Anomalies in the Midcontinent | ES-SSA 2025
On , I presented at the Eastern Section Seismological Society of America (ES-SSA) Annual Meeting in St. Louis, Missouri. My talk, "Unveiling Shear Velocity Anomalies in the Central Midcontinent of the United States through High-Resolution Joint Inversion", showcased high-resolution 3D seismic imaging, joint inversion of ambient noise surface waves and H-κ-c receiver functions, and new insights into crustal and uppermost mantle structure beneath the North American craton. The results highlight crustal features and have implications for craton evolution and intraplate seismicity.
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Conference Talk Research Talk on AI for Induced Seismicity | AAPG Midcontinent 2025
On , I presented at the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Midcontinent Section Meeting, sharing my work on a next-generation machine learning framework for AI-driven induced seismicity detection and innovation. The talk highlighted methodological advancements in deep learning, transfer learning, and few-shot learning for enhanced microseismic monitoring and carbon storage safety (CCS/CCUS) in the Midcontinent.
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Award Poster Award at DISC Inaugural Data Science Symposium
In , I attended and presented at the "Innovating for Impact: Inaugural Data Science Symposium", hosted by the Data Institute for Societal Challenges (DISC) at the University of Oklahoma. This symposium focused on cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) research. I was honored to receive the 3rd place Poster Award for my research on applying advanced AI and transfer learning techniques to induced seismicity analysis.
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Publication Paper Published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters
My peer-reviewed paper titled "Moho depth (crustal thickness) variations under the northeastern midcontinent of North America, based on H-κ−c receiver-function analysis" was published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters (EPSL). Using enhanced H-κ-c receiver-function analysis on EarthScope seismic data, this study reveals significant crustal boundaries correlating with the Illinois Basin, Michigan Basin, and Precambrian tectonic fabrics, challenging previous flat-slab models of the craton.
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Invited Seminar John D. Pigott Colloquium Series Presentation | University of Oklahoma
On , I was invited to present my research on Midcontinent tectonic processes at the School of Geosciences, University of Oklahoma, as part of their prestigious John D. Pigott Colloquium Series. This event provided an excellent platform to showcase my work on crustal architecture, receiver functions, and intraplate seismicity and engage with leading experts in the field.
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Award Best Poster Award at OU Sustainability Forum
On , I participated in the University of Oklahoma Sustainability Forum and won the Best Poster Presentation Award. My poster showcased the application of transfer learning in microseismic event detection, highlighting innovative AI methodologies to enhance subsurface data analysis and environmental sustainability efforts for carbon sequestration (CCS).
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Conference Talk AGU Meeting 2024: AI/ML in Induced Seismicity Monitoring
On , I presented our research on transfer learning techniques for induced seismicity monitoring at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Annual Meeting 2024 in Washington, D.C. Representing the University of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Geological Survey, the presentation highlighted the potential of applying machine learning in seismology to detect and analyze microseismic events with greater sensitivity and catalog completeness.
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Milestone Joined Oklahoma Geological Survey | University of Oklahoma
On , I joined the Oklahoma Geological Survey (OGS) at the University of Oklahoma (Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy) as a Research Associate (subsequently promoted to permanent Research Scientist / Geophysicist). My research focuses on induced seismicity monitoring, carbon storage safety (CCS/CCUS), and developing real-time AI/ML detection workflows for earthquake hazard mitigation.
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Milestone Ph.D. Dissertation Submitted | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
On , I submitted and defended my Ph.D. dissertation in Geology and Geophysics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). The dissertation, titled "Crustal Structure and Seismicity of the North American Midcontinent", explores seismic activity, crustal morphology, and receiver-function imaging in the Midcontinent of North America, providing fundamental insights into cratonic evolution and intraplate tectonic processes.