Making Effective Use of GPS and Strainmeter Data: A PBO Pilot Project

University Of California-San Diego Scripps Inst Of Oceanography, La Jolla CA

Investigators

Abstract

0454475 Agnew This project is improving methods for analyzing Earth deformation recorded by strainmeters and by permanent GPS arrays including those of the Plate Boundary Observatory component of EarthScope. To improve the calibration of borehole strainmeters, existing data is being analysed to provide different models for strain coupling, and tools and methods for general use. New methods are being developed to estimate strain changes from displacements measured by GPS, and to examine sources of noise, and of possible geophysical signals, in such data. These methods will use statistical descriptions that allow for temporal correlation and non-Gaussian behavior. The results from existing GPS networks are being compared with calibrated strainmeter measurements around the San Francisco Bay area, at Parkfield, in Los Angeles, and at Yucca Mountain. One result is to help create a community of strain-data users, in training students and providing analysis tools.