Lecturer

Research

My research focuses on applying geophysical methods to learn about Earth structure at different scales.

I am interested in imaging of the lithosphere and upper mantle at passive and convergent margins, using a variety of seismological tools (e.g., tomography, converted phases, and interferometry), while also interested in imaging the shallow subsurface spatially and temporally with the help of seismic methods, GPR, and remote sensing observations.

In general, my projects involve a blend of computational analysis (signal processing), field work for the collection of new datasets, and collaborations with colleagues in academia and industry.

Specific research interests:

• The crossover between seismic exploration methods and earthquake seismology, particularly how to use microearthquakes as reflection sources.
• Trains as seismic sources for imaging the deep crust.
• Temporal monitoring of groundwater aquifers using seismic interferometry and other geophysical methods in critically stressed regions.
• Seismic monitoring of intraplate regions, to understand background seismicity and seismic hazards.
• Vertical Seismic Profiling applications for imaging complex targets.
• High performance computing in seismology.

Latest Publications

Full publication list here Google Scholar

1. J. S. Thangraj, D. A. Quiros, J. Pulliam (2020).  Using ambient noise seismic interferometry and local and teleseismic earthquakes to determine crustal thickness and Moho structure of the northwestern Gulf of Mexico margin.  Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, 20. doi:10.1029/2020GC008970
2. D. A. Quiros, J. Pulliam, D. Barman, E. Polanco, V. Huerfano (2018). Ambient noise tomography images accreted terranes and igneous provinces in Hispaniola and Puerto Rico. Geophysical Research Letters, 45. doi:10.1029/2018GL080095
3. D. A. Quiros, L.D. Brown, K. Davenport, J. Hole, A. Cabolova, C. Chen, L. Han, M. Chapman, W. Mooney (2017). Reflection imaging with earthquake sources and dense arrays. J. Geophys. Res. Solid Earth, 122, doi:10.1002/2016JB013677.
4. D. A. Quiros, L.D. Brown, D. Kim (2016). Seismic interferometry of railroad induced ground motions: body and surface wave imaging. Geophys. J. Int. 205, 301-313. doi: 10.1093/gjiggw033

Biography

Degrees

• PhD, Cornell University, Geophysics.
• BSc, Florida Tech, Physics.

Employment

• Lecturer, University of Cape Town, 2020 - Present
• Vice Provost for Research Postdoctoral Fellow, Baylor University 2018 - 2020
• Visiting Professor, OVSICORI-UNA, Costa Rica, 2018 & 2020
• Postdoctoral Researcher, Baylor University, 2017 - 2018
• Geophysics Intern, Hess Corporation, 2012