CMG: Summer School on Mathematical Seismology and Uncertainty in Earth Models

Colorado School Of Mines, Golden CO

Investigators

Abstract

This proposal is to establish a summer school aimed at quantifying uncertainty in earth modes obtained from seismic imaging. The resolution in imaging techniques in global seismology has increased dramatically in recent years due to the explosive growth in the amount of digital data and computational facilities. However, the accuracy of the spectacular images of 3D Earth structure that are being produced is usually poorly known. The deployment of the USArray component of Earthscope will dramatically increase the coverage of the continental US with digital seismic stations, resulting in unprecedented quantities of data. The full potential of this data set can only be realized when the uncertainty in the constructed earth models can be quantified adequately. This school focuses on the quantification of uncertainty in seismic imaging in the geosciences. Since this problem requires the input from seismologists and mathematicians, the school is aimed at equal participation from both groups. The material that will be covered includes tutorial material as well as recent research. The presented material will be presented in the form tutorial lectures, lectures on recent research, computer exercises and problem sets, group meetings with a a mentor, poster presentations, and field trips. The school will be held at the campus of the Colorado School of Mines in the summer of 2004. The duration of the school is two weeks. Intellectual merit: The topic of the school addresses an issue that is of paramount importance in the geosciences. The connection between the constructed 3D Earth models and decision making can be called poorly-developed at best. Addressing these questions requires a joint effort of mathematicians and geoscientists. Broader impact: The quantification of uncertainty in 3D models in the earth sciences is of relevance for the exploration and production of hydrocarbons, a better understanding of geo-dynamics with implication for natural hazards, as well as to non-seismological aspects of the geosciences that include ground water management, the detection and spreading of pollutants, the detection of un-exploded ordnance, and monitoring nuclear treaties. The quantification of uncertainty in seismology is essential for the analysis and interpretation of the US-Array data that will be collected as part of Earthscope.