SSA 2008 Annual Meeting

Meetings: SSA 2008


		2008 Annual Meeting 16 - 18 April 2008 Santa Fe, New Mexico
	SPECIAL SESSIONS \| Regular Sessions \| Convener Responsibilities \|
	The Heritage of F. Anthony Dahlen Theoretical geophysics - and seismology in particular - is being affected by the rapidly growing possibilities offered by high performance computing. Approximations that were essential yesterday have become obsolete today, and what is done on a parallel computer now can be done on a laptop tomorrow. This is significantly influencing theory and analysis on a wide range of topics, from seismic tomography to hazard analysis. This session will be devoted to those areas in which Tony Dahlen, who died in June 2007 just after learning he would be the recipient of this year’s Reid medal, left behind a massive heritage of theory. Some of his work can only now be fully exploited with the computing power available to us: seismic tomography, earthquake seismology, and the evolution of mountain ranges. This session invites frontline research contributions that build upon Tony Dahlen’s scientific heritage. Conveners Jeroen Tromp Cal Tech, Pasadena CA jtromp [at] caltech.edu Guust Nolet Princeton University, Princeton NJ nolet [at] princeton.edu Models, Methods, and Measurements: Seismic Monitoring Research This session welcomes contributions that advance seismic monitoring research through improved understanding of seismic sources and the 3-dimensional earth, as well as methods and data sets for improving location, detection, or characterization of seismic sources. Recent advances in source and earth models – as well as methods that utilize these models – are enabling unprecedented prediction accuracy of seismic observables. Useful observables range widely from the broadband seismograms themselves to parametric features of the seismograms, such as travel- time, amplitude, and slowness of seismic phases. Of equal importance is the development of ground-truth data sets – locations, source size, and event type – that are paramount for monitoring research. Advances in signal processing that extract signal from noise with a minimum of distortion are also encouraged. Conveners Stephen Myers Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore CA myers30 [at] llnl.gov Shane Detweiler U.S. Geological Survey, Menlo Park CA shane[at] usgs.gov Lee Steck Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos NM lsteck [at] lanl.gov Tunnel Seismology Detection and characterization of underground air-filled voids (either natural or man-made) by seismic methods is a challenging scientific and technical problem with applications in environmental safety, geotechnical engineering, drilling and mining, subsurface storage, resource exploitation, and national security. We solicit abstracts related to acquisition, processing, modeling, and inversion of seismic and acoustic data in the rapidly-developing area of "tunnel seismology". Of particular interest are case studies that successfully combine advanced numerical simulations of seismic wave propagation with robust data acquisition and analysis strategies. Theoretical descriptions of the complex pattern of seismic waves scattered by or radiated from an underground tunnel complex are also encouraged. The goal of this session is to identify successful seismic exploration methodologies capable of yielding well-resolved images of subsurface void geometry. Conveners Neill Symons and David Aldridge Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque NM npsymon [at] sandia.gov dfaldri [at] sandia.gov Recent Tsunamigenic Events On September 12, 2007, a magnitude 8.4 earthquake occurred off the coast of southern Sumatra generating a tsunami. The event joins a number of recent tsunamigenic events worldwide and in Indonesia in particular. Events of this nature continue to cause devastation and loss of life. A clear understanding of the tectonic setting, slip rates, plate interface, and earthquake mechanisms of these events provide the information necessary for tsunami modeling and timely tsunami warnings. In this session, we welcome contributions addressing the multi-faceted nature of tsunami research, concentrating on, but not limited to, recent tsunamigenic events. Paper addressing the mechanisms of these events, modeling of tsunami generation, studies of tsunami effects, and hazard analyses and warning systems are suitable for this session. Conveners Jean Johnson Dalton State College, Cartersville, GA jmjohnson [at] daltonstate.edu Susan Bilek New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro NM sbilek [at] nmt.edu Volcano Seismology Volcano observatories are increasingly working to pool the information from various monitoring methods for a broader understanding of premonitory phenomena and for better confidence in our hazard assessments. More powerful computers permit greater complexity in analysis and modeling of ever- expanding data sets. We invite contributions on any aspect of volcano monitoring, particularly those that demonstrate reinforcement of hazard assessment through combined methods including seismic, deformation, acoustic and others, applied at active volcanoes. We especially encourage presentations regarding monitoring and hazard assessment/mitigation at North American volcanoes; however, contributions from other regions are also welcome. Conveners Francisco (Paco) Nuñez-Cornu Univ. de Guadalajara, Puerta Vallarta, Mexico pacornu77 [at] gmail.com Charlotte Rowe Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos NM char [at] lanl.gov Extensional Seismotectonics of the Rio Grande Rift and its Margins The Rio Grande Rift is one of Earth’s best studied extensional zones of continental rifting. Rift and rift margin processes associated with the adjacent non-extended Colorado Plateau and Great Plains tectonic provinces are notably reflected in seismicity, geomorphology, magmatism, heat flow, crustal thinning, mantle structure, and other geological and geophysical observables. Recent work indicates that the rift system has evolved and is evolving in response to both ongoing mesoscale mantle processes and pre-existing lithosphere-scale heterogeneity. Extension across the rift has been manifested in the shallow crust by large normal faulting earthquakes that have occurred every few hundred years in contrast to the short historical record which shows no events larger than magnitude 6. This session will focus on extensional seismotectonic processes of the rift and its adjoining provinces, as elucidated by diverse studies ranging from seismic imaging of mantle structure, investigations of the seismogenic crust, contemporary seismicity, and paleoseismology. Conveners Richard Aster New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro NM aster [at] ees.nmt.edu Ivan Wong URS Corporation, Oakland CA ivan_wong [at] urscorp.com Scott Baldridge Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos NM sbaldridge [at] lanl.gov James Ni New Mexico State University, Las Cruces NM jni [at] nmsu.edu The Hayward Fault: 140 Years after the 1868 Hayward Earthquake October 21, 2008, will mark the 140th Anniversary of the 1868 Hayward Earthquake, variously estimated to have had a magnitude between 6.8 and 7.0. Recent paleoseismological studies on the southern segment of the Hayward Fault suggest that the 5 most recent earthquakes on this strand of the fault have an average recurrence of 140 years: a large earthquake on the Hayward Fault tomorrow would not be a surprise. This fault poses a tremendous seismic hazard to the entire Bay Area. This session showcases our state of knowledge of the Hayward Fault nearly 140 years after the 1868 earthquake with a focus on recent studies of the fault. Important new datasets and models include: High-resolution elevation models (from airborne LIDAR), InSAR imagery of active deformation and creep along the fault, new age dating at paleoseismic sites along the fault zone, a ShakeMap for the 1868 earthquake, 3D geometric and mechanical models of the fault, and ground motion simulations for a rupture along the Hayward Fault. We also welcome papers describing recent innovation assessments of the hazard and the risk posed by the fault, as well as new approaches for mitigating these hazards. Conveners Thomas M. Brocher U.S. Geological Survey, Menlo Park, California brocher [at] usgs.gov Keith Knudsen California Geological Survey, Menlo Park, CA kknudsen [at] consrv.ca.gov Methods for Travel Time Calculation Through Complex Earth Structure Heterogeneous earth models are becoming increasingly common and studies have shown that such models can produce more accurate travel time predictions and improved event locations. Before seismic monitoring agencies can make use of these models, methods for computing travel times through them need to be identified that are accurate, computationally efficient, and robust. In this session, we invite papers describing proven and emerging travel time prediction methodologies, such as, but not limited to, Eikonal solvers, ray shooters and ray benders. Authors are encouraged to evaluate their methods using the three criteria enumerated above. Papers describing hybrid approaches, or that compare/contrast algorithms are welcome. Conveners: Chris Young Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM cjyoung [at] sandia.gov Sandy Ballard Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM sballar [at] sandia.gov Active-Source Seismic Imaging-- Geology in Three Dimensions This session will focus on the use of active-source seismic studies to image faults, basin geometry, geologic hazards (including volcanoes and landslides), and the local tectonic setting. Studies are invited that lie within a broad range of scales and resolving abilities. Submissions are encouraged that demonstrate the use of seismic reflection, refraction tomography, ground-penetrating radar, other geophysical methods, and especially combinations of these approaches. Conveners: Michael J. Rymer U.S. Geological Survey, Menlo Park CA mrymer [at] usgs.gov Rufus D. Catchings U.S. Geological Survey, Menlo Park CA catching [at] usgs.gov Exploring Crust to Core: Recent Advancement & Future Directions in Seismic Modeling Seismic imaging is a powerful tool for geophysicists to probe the Earth’s interior. The demand for higher resolution and broader range of applications is rapidly increasing. This session welcomes contributions from seismic imaging in various scales and application arenas, with special emphasis on recent advances and future directions. Examples may include innovations and advances in 3D traveltime tomography, waveform tomography, receiver function mapping, surface wave inversion, and joint inversion of multiple geophysical observations. We also encourage case study papers using seismic imaging to solve real problems. Discussions on the pitfalls, limitations, and artifacts of common seismic imaging methods and potential remedies are most welcomed. Conveners: Youshun Sun MIT, Cambridge, MA youshun [at] mit.edu Monica Maceira Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos NM mmaceira [at] lanl.gov Very Near-field Earthquake Source Observations What can observations of displacement, velocity, acceleration, strain, electric and magnetic fields in the very near-field of an earthquake teach us about earthquake source physics? Recently- installed arrays of instruments at hypocentral depths in deep mines and deep boreholes yield exciting new insights into source scaling, fault friction, apparent stress, fracture energy, nucleation, crack formation and charge generation. We invite contributions to this session based on these near-source data sets, including interpretations based on theory and laboratory experiments. The purpose of this session will be to provide researchers an opportunity for comparing data, exchanging new ideas and exploring implications for source physics. Conveners Malcolm Johnston and Art McGarr US Geological Survey, Menlo Park CA mal [at] usgs.gov mcgarr [at] usgs.gov Scaling Aspects in Earthquake Analysis and Modeling Many aspects of earthquake occurrence are related to scale-free properties. Scaling laws identified in earthquake research concern a multitude of aspects: event size-event number relationships, hypocenter positions, the geometry of fault sets, fault slip, inter-event times, size- and location- dependent temporal clustering, etc. Yet, some aspects of earthquake occurrence show clear deviations from scale invariance. Establishing the presence or absence of scale invariance is crucial for a deeper understanding of seismicity and is directly related to the following questions: What do scaling aspects tell us about the underlying processes? What are the implications of the existence of various scale-dependent features? How and under what circumstances do scaling aspects change over time? This session will focus on questions concerning scaling properties of earthquake occurrence, from pattern characterization to modeling, and their implications for seismic hazard assessment. Conveners Cristian Suteanu Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada cristian.suteanu [at] smu.ca Jörn Davidsen University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada davidsen [at] phas.ucalgary.ca Complexity, Statistics, and Physics of Seismicity and Earthquakes This session is intended to be a broadly based forum for the presentation of data analysis, simulations and models. Appropriate topics include, but are not restricted to: Applicability of scaling re lations including the branching statistics of seismicity in space and time California and Standard Physical Earth Simulation of seismic activity including fault based simulations such as Virtual California and Standard Physical Earth Model (SPEM) , and statistically-based simulations such as Epidemic-Type Aftershock Sequences (ETAS) Assessments of seismic risk in space and time and their verification Current status of accelerated moment release (AMR) and other related studies Models of fault interactions, friction and other aspects of earthquake physics Conveners Donald Turcotte and John Rundle U.C. Davis turcotte [at] geology.ucdavis.edu rundle [at] physics.ucdavis.edu Earthquakes and Society: Developing Community Resiliency through Earthquake Scenarios The occurrence of a major earthquake in or near a major metropolitan area has the potential to damage critical facilities and lifelines and cause substantial long-term disruption to regional and even national economies. Understanding the potential damage and associated interdependencies is important for emergency response planning and developing cost effective disaster mitigation efforts. These investigations incorporate a broad range in technical expertise and this session is an opportunity to communicate the investigations underway for Southern California and other major metropolitan areas. We invite papers dealing with one or more of the following aspects: deterministic and probabilistic strategies for developing earthquake ground motion and fault rupture predictions affecting metropolitan areas such as Southern California; development of fragility models for critical facilities having possible multiple failure modes; integration of ground motion and it’s uncertainty with uncertain fragility models; developing predictive tools to model the interdependencies or potential cascading affects of critical facility failure; sociologic, economic and public health models of disaster consequences and interdependencies and planning and mitigation issues for critical facilities and regional governments. Conveners Chris Bradley Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM cbradley [at] lanl.gov Lucy Jones US Geological Survey, Pasadena, CA jones [at] usgs.gov Richard Lee Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM rclee [at] lanl.gov Extreme Ground Motions Extreme ground motions are the very large amplitudes of earthquake ground motions that can arise at very low probabilities of exceedance, as was the case for the 1998 probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) for Yucca Mountain, when extended to hazard levels of <e; 10⁶/yr. A five- year effort funded by the Department of Energy is investigating the credibility of such ground motions through studies of physical limits to earthquake ground motions; unexceeded ground motions, as revealed by fragile geologic structures; and frequency of occurrence of very large ground motions or of earthquake source parameters (such as stress drop and faulting displacement) that cause them. Of interest to ExGM, as it has been to earthquake seismology for decades, is why crustal earthquake stress drops are so sensibly constant and so much less than the frictional strength of rocks at mid-crustal depths. At the halfway point of this project, we invite papers on the subject matters above as well as others that speak to ground-motion amplitudes at hazard levels of 10⁶/yr or smaller. Such analyses might include geologic and geomorphic considerations of landscapes that are of the order of a million years old. Conveners Tom Hanks U.S. Geological Survey, Menlo Park, CA thanks [at] usgs.gov Norm Abrahamson Pacific Gas & Electric Co., San Francisco, CA naa2 [at] pge.com Earthquake-induced Ground Failure: From Site Specific to Regional Hazard Assessments Recent earthquakes have provided many new earthquake-induced ground failure case histories and new technologies facilitate better characterizations of case history sites. Additionally, improved methods and technologies allow for better forecasting of future liquefaction, landsliding and fault surface rupture. This session will be used to highlight new case histories, new methods in performing hazard assessments (site-specific to regional), and ground failure hazard assessment and mitigation projects. Conveners Keith Knudsen California Dept. of Conservation, Sacramento, CA Keith.L.Knudsen [at] conservation.ca.gov Laurie Baise Tufts University, Medford, MA laurie.baise [at] tufts.edu Advances in Treating Macroseismic Intensity Data Quantitatively Session Description: "New directions in the quantitative use of macroseismic intensities have reinvigorated the use of these traditional data in the digital era. We encourage related contributions, including the following topics: source characterization with macroseismic data, intensity prediction equations, correlating historic and Internet-based data to instrumental ground-motion parameters, Internet collection of intensity data, and uses of macroseismic data in loss estimation Conveners Livio Sirovich Inst. Nazionale di Ocean. e Geofisica Sperimentale, Trieste, Italy sirovich [at] ogs.trieste.it David Wald U.S. Geological Survey, Golden, CO wald [at] usgs.gov Jim Dewey U.S. Geological Survey, Golden, CO dewey [at] usgs.gov Science Without Borders At the California/Mexico border the San Andreas fault system transitions to a complex plate boundary characterized by continued transform motion along the Cerro Prieto fault as well as spreading in the Gulf of California. The international border complicates efforts to investigate earthquakes and faults, and quantify seismic hazard, in this highly active and complex region. We welcome contributions focused on improved characterization of faults, earthquakes, and seismic hazard along the US-Mexico border. We also welcome discussion of outstanding scientific questions and challenges that have not been addressed adequately due to logistical issues. Conveners Susan Hough US Geological Survey, Pasadena CA shough [at] usgs.gov Luis Munguia Orozco CICESE, Ensenada, Mexico lmunguia [at] cicese.mx Archaeoseismological Methodologies: Principles and Practices Archaeoseismology is a young scientific discipline that raises a lot of reservation from scientists studying earthquakes in all its aspects, some of whom are strongly questioning whether man- made structures can be used as earthquake indicators at all. But archaeoseismology has the potential to bridge the gap between instrumental and historical seismology, on the one hand, and palaeoseismology and earthquake geology, on the other hand. Archaeoseismological evidence ought to be an equally legitimate and complementary source of seismic-hazard information. However, only an objective assessment of the reliability of archaeoseismological evidence will allow the inclusion of this evidence in seismic-hazard studies. Therefore, a critical but practicable archaeoseismological methodology needs to be developed integrating the expertise from different disciplines (geology, geomorphology, seismology, geophysics, archaeology, engineering.). The aim of this special session is to confront and discuss the different existing methodological approaches in archaeoseismology with the objective to make an attempt to propose a standardized methodology for archaeoseismology. We welcome contributions from all disciplines concerned that may serve as a starting point for an in-depth discussion on the basic principles and practices of archaeoseismology. Conveners Manuel Sintubin Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium manuel.sintubin [at] geo.kuleuven.be Iain Stewart University of Plymouth, Plymouth, Devon, U.K. iain.stewart [at] plymouth.ac.uk Tina Niemi University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City MO niemit [at] umkc.edu Next Generation of Collaborative Earthquake Predictability Research Earthquake science is currently gaining momentum in the direction of standardizing rigorous methods for testing earthquake forecast hypotheses. Established testing centers provide the opportunity to more easily evaluate hypotheses in a way that has seen barriers in the past. Testing of models can not only provide insight into their overall performance, but it can also be used to develop a better understanding of their basic features. Additionally, current models in development often focus on particular aspects of the predictability problem; combining forecast methods from multiple models provides the potential for improving the forecast of any individual model. We solicit submissions that address one or more of the following issues as they relate to earthquake predictability: status of current (and plans for future) regional and global experiments; application of new models and multi-model combinations; methods for testing and evaluation. A special focus of this session is collaborative experiments. Conveners Danijel Schorlemmer University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA ds [at] usc.edu Matt Gerstenberger GNS Science, Lower Hutt, New Zealand m.gerstenberger [at] gns.cri.nz Best Practices for Teaching Undergraduate and Graduate Seismology Courses Individuals within the academic seismology community possess a wealth of experience and knowledge of approaches to engage undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in courses with seismology concepts. Unfortunately, no central venue exists to allow these individuals to broadly share their own effective labs and exercises with their colleagues or seek new ideas to complement their own courses. Thus, this session invites participants to present strategies for actively engaging students in the classroom with examples of effective and innovative lab and field experiences. Contributors will be encouraged to submit their classroom, lab and field exercises to an on-line collection such as the Science Education Resource Center database which includes exercises submitted to the 2007 Cutting Edge workshop, "Teaching Geophysics in the 21st Century." Submissions are welcome for any level of seismology instruction from introductory undergraduate Earth science courses to graduate-level seminars, and activities that make use of seismic data are especially encouraged. Conveners Michael Wysession Washington University, St. Louis, MO mwysession [at] wustl.edu John Taber IRIS Consortium, Washington D.C. taber [at] iris.edu

[Back]

Last Update: 12 February 2008