Position Description: Active faults in the Basin and Range region of the western United States cause earthquakes and control the landscape. The location and evolution of these faults are critical in understanding the geological history of Basin and Range. Satellite imagery can be used to build high-resolution models of active faults and faulted landscapes which can then be used to understand how the faults have changed over time to create the landscape today.
A newly developed, easy-to-use, python-based software allows easy analysis of satellite images. In this study, we will use the toolkit to measure how much each fault has moved in the past and calculate how this varies for faults in the volcanic centers around and south of the Sevier Desert, Utah. The study will employ a freely downloadable software, and the python and Jupyter Notebook-based toolkit. The student will learn about active faulting, structural geology, Basin and Range extension, satellite imagery, python coding environments, and geomorphology. Results from this project will eventually lead to a publication.
The student will have the option to continue working on this project during the school year.
Duration: 3 weeks
Work Hours: 6-7 hours/week (for a total of 20 hours over 3 weeks)
Pay Rate: $15/hour
Qualifications/Requirements:
no prior experience in the field is necessary
computer (Mac preferred)
internet
computer skills not necessary but preferred (familiarity with Jupyter Notebook)
complete a survey at the end of the project
All necessary software, data, and training will be provided.
Opportunities to Explore the EPS Department:
Franklin will discuss classes students can take or professors to get in touch with if they are interested in the material of the project or other topics within the Earth and Planetary Sciences as well as provide help in planning their curriculum. The student will be invited to the Shaw group weekly group meeting to be exposed to the type of research within the group and to meet other group members.
The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) welcomes everyone and aims for a diverse and inclusive community. Preferences will be given to rising sophomores and incoming first year 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.
Application: closed (July 31-August 4)
Number of Applicants: 46
Number of Positions Available: 2
Students Hired: Caroline Choi (incoming first year) & Margarita Bogdanova-Shapkina (incoming first year)