For so-called 3-component arrays, each array site comprises 3 sensors, where each of them records the earth's displacement in different directions (typically north/south, east/west, and up/down). The 3-component sensors allow for "rotating" the data towards specific directions, while the arrays also allow for spatio-temporal filtering (beamforming) in order to separate waves arriving from different directions. We apply time-delays to the different array sensor traces to achieve the focus of our "beams" towards different directions of arrival.
This MSc project is targeted towards exploiting a holistic approach to process data from such 3-component seismic arrays. This kind of processing might open up, for example, for a better characterization of seismic events, for for a more accurate measurement of earthquake characteristics, or for revealing weak signals which otherwise would be buried in noise. There is even a chance that your MSc work can make a contribution which might enhance the monitoring of the comprehensive nuclear-test-ban treaty.
In this project,
- You will work on enhancing and developing signal processing recipes for time-series of 3-component seismic array recordings.
- You will be supported by experienced advisors both from the university and from the research institute.
- You will gain hands-on experience in scientific data processing and programming using state-of-the art Python package ObsPy, which is used by seismology researchers and centers worldwide. You will write your own code that takes advantage of the ObsPy framework.
- You will get the opportunity to work on real-world data that is contributing to a safer society.
- You will be able to make comparisons to big datasets of earthquake catalogues.
- An interest and background in Python programming and in one or several of the following fields will be an advantage:
- Signal processing
- Array signal processing
- Geosciences
- Data science and visualization
This project is a collaboration with the independent research institute NORSAR, which is a research center for earthquakes in Norway, based in Lillestrøm/Kjeller, close to Oslo. The MSc project will be integrated with ongoing research projects.