GG5330 Earthquake Seismology

Spring Semester 2002

 

Student Term Projects

A term project will be assigned to each student (or student pairs). The project is intended to be completed in the last part of the semester that will serve as the final for the course including a term paper to be submitted during test week. Project topics will be determined in consultation with the instructor and TA. I recommend that topics involve analysis of earthquake data using some type of analytic methodology (hypocenter determinations, focal mechanisms, hazard analysis, spectral analysis, etc.). Topics may include ideas for future thesis research or for ancillary topics related to ongoing theses, senior theses or just a new idea.

Please note that the time available is only 13 weeks long and you must start your project by the third week.

 

List of Possible Student Course Projects

  1. Apply the Double-difference algorithm for better earthquake locations to various earthquake data sets such as the Borah Peak or Draney Peak earthquake aftershocks, Yellowstone and Utah including waveform correlation.

  2. Analysis of regional focal mechanisms using relocated earthquakes from (1).

  3. Analyses of earthquake frequency of occurrence and cluster analysis of parts or the whole Intermountain Seismic Belt (using Zmap).

  4. Study of the relationship of relocated earthquakes and tectonic features of specific areas (using Geotouch and FPFIT).

  5. Compilation of broadband seismograms of the Intermountain region using National Seismic Network and U of U broadband data to determine regional attenuation.

  6. Development of full waveform record-sections of regional to near regional earthquake sources using network data from the UUSS, USGS, NSN, and surrounding networks.

  7. Earthquake risk assessment of a particular area, facility, your house, etc. using MatLab scripts.

  8. Or something of your choice. Come see me if you need ideas.

     

    Class Project Assignment Outline

    Prepare a 1 page abstract with title of the class project which is due in class, January 26, 2002. I will then schedule an appointment with you to discuss the project and make further recommendations.

    Include the following in your abstract:

    1.  Title

    2.  Purpose of Project

    3.  What is the basic scientific objective that the project will address. I do not expect that you will discover some fundamental theorem, but I want you to think about what basic science issue your projected is related to.

    4.  What will you do analytically, i.e., what tools (computer programs, maps, etc.) you will need.

    5.  What data are required and where do you expect to get them.

    6.  What are the expected sources of error in your project and how will you incorporate it.

    7.  Give some references regarding the project.

     

    If you don't have a well thought out project come in a see me as soon as possible!!!!