3D Shear Wave Velocity Models for the Atlantic Upper Mantle

Position Description: Seismic velocity models are of great importance since they can be used to understand what is going on deep inside the Earth. The student will learn about how earthquake waves propagate through the Earth, and how they can be used to produce 3-D images that represent the structure of masses of rock they pass through. For this project, we will focus on velocity models and updating various figures and tables to contribute to a paper on the 3D seismic structure of the Atlantic upper mantle. This will include:

• Learning about the cross-sectional and lateral structure of the Earth (i.e. in terms of its layers and seafloor ages)

• Learning about how a type of surface earthquake wave called Rayleigh Waves can be used to produce velocity models

• Learning about how seismic velocity models can tell you about the physical properties of the Earth’s interior

• Working (in a Linux environment and otherwise) with imaging software such as GMT and other computer languages such as Fortran and/or MATLAB to update seismic velocity images

Project Dates: July 1-26, 2024

Number of Available Positions: 1

Location: In-person or remote

Pay Rate: $1000 stipend at completion of program

Qualifications/Requirements:

• No prior knowledge of the topic is necessary

• High school mathematics

• High school physics

• Computer-related skills are required (experience programming in any language)

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) welcomes everyone and aims for a diverse and inclusive community. Preference will be given to freshman and sophomore students, but we encourage all interested students to apply. Students who are already working with members of the EPS community and non-Harvard students are not eligible for this position.