Proposed project:

We are constructing dynamic models of a branched dip-slip fault system. Using a 3D finite-element solid-mechanics code, we are investigating the propagation of rupture and the partitioning of oblique basal slip onto vertical and dip-slip faults near the Earth's surface.

Proposed project:

I am working with scientists at the US Geological Survey in Menlo Park, California and at Stanford University to archive models of earthquakes using the digital library technology developed at the San Diego Supercomputing Center (SDSC). I am creating a reference earthquake database by expanding the SDSC digital library technology. I am using various tools, such as PERL, bash scripting, C, XML, PHP, JavaScript, JAVA, PostgreSQL, HDF5, and a Storage Resource Broker in order to store, manage, and validate associated metadata and/or model files while providing a friendly, easy-to-use user interface.

Proposed project:

I am working on a project to validate the SCEC Community Fault Model (CFM) in the LA basin. Our project represents the CFM in mechanical models, which create models of uplift throughout the LA basin. These patterns of uplift are compared with maps of uplift created from subsurface and surface geologic data. I work on three aspects of this project. First, I am compiling the geologic data into a GIS. This focuses on an individual subsurface marker initially and requires locating wells used in the subsurface mapping in the GIS, compiling geologic map data, and making a regional isopach map of the marker. Second, I take model uplift values and make a separate coverage of these results over the same geographic area as the surface and subsurface data coverages. Finally, I use the GIS to develop an error estimation scheme to test misfit between data and models both at points of observation (wells, outcrops) and in regions where uplift values have been interpolated.

Proposed project:

I am working on a project to collect GPS data at various locations in the San Bernardino Mountains. The goal of this project is to monitor elastic strain accumulation in the vicinity of the San Andreas fault, and to provide baseline data for measuring co-seismic motion of the various fault-bounded blocks within the San Bernardino Mountains during future earthquakes. I learned about collecting GPS data during an NSF-funded GPS campaign during the last 2 weeks of June. During July I and other interns are traveling throughout the San Bernardino Mountains to set up GPS equipment and monitor it throughout the day. Many of the sites are remote and require strenuous hiking, carrying the GPS equipment as well as batteries. During August we will process the GPS data using AutoGIPSY or SCOUT.

Proposed project:

The objective for this project is to generate fault-based earthquake forecasts for southern California. I am making forecasts with the technique of Bowman and King [2001] and using algorithms being developed this summer.

Proposed project:

I am testing the hypothesis that the eastern Transverse Ranges expose a tilted cross section through the continental crust of southern California, from crustal paleodepths less than 5 km to as much as 24 km, very near to the present Moho. The project began with field work involve sampling transects through the tilted crustal section. This has been followed with laboratory measurements aimed at construction of a model crustal lithologic column. The model will include constraints on variations in density, magnetic susceptibility, radiogenic heat production, and seismic velocity variations as a function of crustal depth. This project will contribute to the SCEC Unified Structural Representation project in the development of a 3D model of earth structure in southern California.

Proposed project:

I am working on a project to collect GPS data at various locations in the San Bernardino Mountains. The goal of this project is to monitor elastic strain accumulation in the vicinity of the San Andreas fault, and to provide baseline data for measuring co-seismic motion of the various fault-bounded blocks within the San Bernardino Mountains during future earthquakes. I learned about collecting GPS data during an NSF-funded GPS campaign during the last 2 weeks of June. During July I and other interns are traveling throughout the San Bernardino Mountains to set up GPS equipment and monitor it throughout the day. Many of the sites are remote and require strenuous hiking, carrying the GPS equipment as well as batteries. During August we will process the GPS data using AutoGIPSY or SCOUT.

Proposed project:

I have been using the 3D animation program, Maya, to create visualizations for scientists here at Scripps. My will model and animate a wireless optical seismometer. I will establish a framework for a “GeoMaya” by writing code that will import Digital Elevations Models from various programs into Maya. I will aslo create a 3D visualization that shows the growth of sensors and corresponding growth of high-speed networks in the world to see if there is relationship between the two. Lastly, I will use my skills in Maya to model 3D objects that can be imported into Fledermaus to reference earthquake data sets.

Proposed project:

The San Andreas fault is the largest source of seismic hazard in California. Data on the rupture history of the San Andreas fault form the basis of numerous models of fault behavior and seismic hazard. The high slip rate, short recurrence interval, great length and accessibility of the SAF make it the best target in the U.S. (and perhaps the world) for observational testing of fault behavior models. This project involves collecting field data on the rupture history of the San Andreas fault in an area of California where the fault traverses undeveloped open space (ranch land) in the Carrizo Plain and displays spectacular evidence of surface faulting. The fault will be studied by mapping exposures of ruptures visible in the walls of a trench. I am a part of a team of researchers including 2 professors, a postdoc and 2 graduate students.

Proposed project:

I am researching and modeling surface deformation in the Salton Trough region using interferometric synthetic aperture radar, field data, and geodetic data. In addition, I will be doing various imaging processing and remote sensing within the Salton Trough region.

Proposed project:

Using OpenSHA and HAZUS-MH, we will present loss estimates for San Diego County based on various Rose Canyon Fault earthquake scenarios. OpenSHA will be used to compute the shaking scenarios by considering different possible magnitudes and viable attenuation relationships. This data will then be imported into the HAZUS-MH to predict economic losses, fatalities, displaced households and shelter needs.