GG 6220 (7220) Theoretical Seismology
Spring Semester 2005
3 credits
Time: Tue, Thur, Fri. 9:40 - 10:50 AM, WBB 517
Credits: 3 semester credits
Instructor:
Robert B. Smith
702 W. B. Browning Bldg.
Prerequisites:
GG5210 Seismology I, differential equations and partial
differential equations recommended, or consent of instructor. Computational
skills on the SUN workstations or PCs. Experience with
Matlab and/or Maple as well as UNIX and FORTRAN programming preferred.
Course Objectives:
To understand the theory and application of advanced and theoretical topics in
seismology such as: source representation theory, complex reflection and refraction of
elastic waves at boundaries, dispersion and normal mode formulation, asymptotic ray
theory, gaussian beam ray theory, plane wave decomposition, full wave theory (Cagniard
de Hoop solutions), reflectivity, earthquake moment tensor theory and inverse
applications to earthquake data.
Course Project:
A course project will take the place of a final exam. For the course project, I want
you to select a project by Feb. 1 and hand in a write up on your proposed project to
include the objective, data available and computer program needed. The term project
should be written up with an oral report to be presented to the class at the end of the
course to include:
- theory and methodology,
- uncertainties and limitations,
- examples, and
- bibliography.
Class projects to be written up completely with theory, test cases where appropriate,
conclusions and uncertainties.
Texts
Aki, K., and P.G. Richards, 2001, Quantitative Seismology, Theory and Methods,
Columbia University Press (preprint)—2nd Edition and still best text on theoretical
seismology -- Available in my office.
Stein, S. and M. Wysession, 2001 (in press), Introduction to seismology, earthquakes
and earth structure, unpublished lecture notes -- Available in my office.
Possible Project Topics:
- Develop and interpret composite record section of regional earthquakes recorded on
the University of Utah seismic arrays.
- Examine the use of fault trapped waves in delineation of fault parameters.
- Implementation of seismic moment tensor code to invert for source properties from
broadband seismogram.
- Develop and interpret composite record section of broadband seismographs of the
Intermountain region.
Readings
Assigned readings will be made from the current literature. Emphasis will be made on timely
topics in mechanisms of earthquakes and earthquake hazard analyses, strong ground motion,
attenuation, and time series analyses for engineering applications will be given.
Special Lectures
Invited speakers will provide timely lectures on such topics as reflectivity, broadband
seismology, tomography, etc.