Earthscope Workshop on Thermal Processes

University Of Utah, Salt Lake City UT

Investigators

Abstract

EarthScope is a major earth science research initiative that will integrate scientific information derived from seismology (USArray), geodesy (Plate Boundary Observatory), and subsurface sampling and measurement initially for the San Andreas Fault ...(SAFOD). Integral to the interpretation of EarthScope investigations is the four dimensional thermal state of the lithosphere and a better understanding of thermal processes influencing continental dynamics. This workshop will identify important thermal processes within the context of EarthScope and strategies for attacking those problems, highlight new avenues of research, and provide pathways for integrating and coordinating thermal studies with EarthScope. The workshop will consider 1) important crustal and lithospheric scale thermal and heat flow problems that need to be tackled within the EarthScope initiative; 2) thermal data and instrumental needs to address successfully these problems; 3) the state of the U.S. heat flow data set and strategies for improving the data base; 4) integrating thermal data with EarthScope data products and how best to coordinate activities with EarthScope. The results of the workshop will be captured in a final workshop report that can be used by a broader community and across disciplines to plan and designing exciting science. The organizing committee consists of R. N. Harris (Univ of Utah), D. S. Chapman (Univ of Utah), C. F. Williams (U.S. Geological Survey), K. P. Furlong (Penn. State Univ.), D. M. Saffer (Univ. of Wyoming) and C. H. Jones (CU Boulder). Our workshop will be held in Salt Lake City in March, 2004 and include approximately 45 attendees plus agency representatives.