Thread: Research Geophysicist; Research Engineer

Started: 2018-05-30 22:40:33
Last activity: 2018-05-30 22:40:33
Brad Aagaard
2018-05-30 22:40:33
Institution: USGS Earthquake Science Center, Menlo Park, CA
Open Until: 2018-07-25

Mendenhall Research Fellowship Opportunity S28. Characterizing crustal structure in the San Francisco Bay area for earthquake ground-motion simulations

1 position available in Menlo Park, CA
https://geology.usgs.gov/postdoc/opps/2018/S28%20Aagaard.htm
Application deadline: July 25, 2018.

For general application information: https://geology.usgs.gov/postdoc/index.html

Structural engineers require accurate estimates of earthquake ground motion in order to design structures to resist loads efficiently and reduce loss of life and property from damaging earthquakes. In order to improve seismic hazard assessments, we need to advance our understanding of the physical processes that govern ground shaking and its effects on the built environment. As seismic waves propagate away from an earthquake rupture, they are affected by the earth structure, resulting in complex wave propagation effects caused by basin edges, super-critical reflections, scattering, and other features.

We seek a Mendenhall Postdoctoral Scholar to use novel data and/or analysis techniques to improve the USGS 3D seismic velocity model for the San Francisco Bay region (https://earthquake.usgs.gov/data/3dgeologic/). Many of the sedimentary basins within the model were defined using geophysical data, e.g., gravity surveys. Proposals combining seismic observations (e.g., earthquake recordings, previous active source experiments, and ambient noise) with geophysical observations (e.g., gravity and aeromagnetic data) and well logs to constrain the 3D elastic properties are strongly encouraged. Proposals should describe the merit of incorporating the chosen subset of observations in constraining the seismic velocity model. The proposed study should include documenting the effects of improvements in the seismic velocity model on ground-motion simulations of moderate earthquakes.

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the advisors early in the application process to discuss project ideas.

Research Advisor(s): Brad Aagaard, (650) 329-4789, baagaard<at>usgs.gov; Russell Graymer, (650) 329-4988, rgraymer<at>usgs.gov.


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