Dr. Thanushika Gunatilake
Postdoc
My research focuses on physics-based numerical modeling of fluids-driven earthquake sequences. The role of fluids (e.g., CO2, H2O) either mantle-derived or internally generated by thermal decomposition and dehydration plays a significant role in the temporal and spatial distribution of earthquakes and aftershocks. During my postdoc, I want to extend my knowledge of CO2 generation, propagation, and degassing. The findings of my work will contribute to our understanding of CO2 storage (CCS) and cycles of aftershock sequences.
Education
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Since 2022 |
Postdoc |
ETH Zürich, Switzerland. Institut für Geophysik, Swiss Seismological Service (SED). |
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2019 – 2022 |
Ph.D. in Earth Science |
University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Faculté des sciences. Centre d’hydrogéologie et de géothermie (CHYN). Thesis title: Numerical Modelling of Aftershock Sequences, Volcano-Tectonic Interactions, and Pandemic Propagation. |
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2017 – 2019 |
Master of Science |
Rheinisch Friedrich-Wilhelms-University Bonn, Germany. Institute for Geosciences. Thesis title: Geophysical characterization of a fault zone and its correlation with seismicity in the Talala region, Northwest India, Published in Tectonophysics (2021). |
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2015 – 2017 |
Bachelor of Science |
Rheinisch Friedrich-Wilhelms-University Bonn, Germany. Thesis title: Development of a geological model of a landslide near Bonn based on geophysical measurements. Published in Land (2021). |
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2008 – 2015 |
High School |
Nicolaus-Cusanus-Gymnasium Bonn, Germany. Intensified course: Mathematics and Chemistry. |
Work Experience
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2019 – 2022 |
Research assistant |
University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Activities in addition to my research: Co - organizing the European Geothermal PhD-day (EGPD) conference; organizing program for Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in deep geothermal systems; played a leading role in three geothermal field trips to Toscana/Elba; teaching experience in numerical modeling and laboratory experiments in applied geology |
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2017 – 2019 |
Research assistant |
University of Bonn, Germany. Focus: Tutor of Bachelor courses and Independent implementation of measurement campaigns. |
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2013 – 2019 |
Volunteer |
Medical assistant at the German Red Cross and head of the school sanitation service. |
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09.2016 |
Internship |
National Building Research Organization, Sri Lanka. Focus: Geophysical analysis on slope stability. |
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07.2013 |
Training |
University Children clinic, Bonn. Focus: Paediatric Cardiology. |
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01.2012 |
Internship |
Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, Bonn. Focus: Climate change. |
Scientific Achievements
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2021 |
Equality Grant |
To attend the JpGU conference in Japan and to visit the Earthquake and Volcano Research Center, Nagoya University (EVRCJ) to present my research results about seismicity, volcanism and the associated impact of geothermal energy exploitation in Japan (2 weeks: 5000 CHF) |
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2018 |
PROMOS |
Scholarship program at the University of Bonn for a measurement campaign in India with regard to the master’s thesis. Funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).(6 weeks: 1400 Euro) |
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2013 |
DAAD |
Scholarship for a four week internship in a foreign country from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in cooperation with IAESTA. (4 weeks: 700 Euro) |
Certification
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2021 |
Certificate of Advanced Studies |
CAS in deep geothermal systems, Awarded by the University of Neuchâtel. |
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Certificate of Feflow Modelling |
The basics of groundwater modelling and advanced applications. |