Research Opportunity Description
This opportunity is focused on the analysis of seismometer and magnetometer data acquired by the Global Seismographic Network Program, the Earthquake Hazards Program, and the Geomagnetism Program, each of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Research should lead to quantification of the impact of geomagnetic disturbance on seismic monitoring and the development of methods for improving seismic monitoring during periods of high geomagnetic disturbance. Research would plausibly include intercomparison of acquired seismic data during periods of geomagnetic quiescence and disturbance, as well as intercomparison of seismic time series acquired by mu-metal shielded as well as unshielded instruments. Research might also lead to improved understanding of the spatio-temporal characteristics of global geomagnetic disturbances.
Under the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977, the USGS, among other agencies, is authorized to implement “earthquake hazards reduction measures.” Under the Promoting Research and Observations of Space Weather to Improve Forecasting of Tomorrow (PROSWIFT) Act of 2020, the Department of the Interior (and the USGS) is noted as responsible for assessing “risk from space-weather-induced electric ground currents.” The strategic plan of the USGS National Hazards Mission Area is given by Holmes et al. (2013).
Proposals should be accompanied by a work plan, notation of relevance to the mission and authorizations of the USGS, a general work schedule, and a budget covering needed travel (including between USGS centers and to conferences), computers, and software.
References
Holmes, R. R., Jones, L. M., Eidenshink, J. C., Godt, J. W., Kirby, S. H., Love, J. J., Neal, C. A., Plant, N. G., Plunkett, M. L., Weaver, C. S., Wein, A. & Perry, S. C., 2013. U.S. Geological Survey Natural Hazards Science Strategy—Promoting the Safety, Security, and Economic Well-Being of the Nation, USGS Circular, 1383–F, 79 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/cir1383F.
Ringler, A. T., Anthony, R. E., Wilson, D. C., Claycomb, A. C. & Spritzer, J., 2020. Magnetic field variations in Alaska: Recording space weather events on seismic stations in Alaska, Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, 110(5), 2530-2540, https://doi.org/10.1785/0120200019.
Proposed Duty Station(s)
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Golden, Colorado
Areas of PhD
Geophysics, seismology, physics, applied mathematics, or related fields (candidates holding a Ph.D. in other disciplines, but with extensive knowledge and skills relevant to this research opportunity, may be considered).
Qualifications
Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications: Research Geophysicist, Research Engineer, Research Mathematician, Research Physical Scientist, or Research Physicist
(This type of research is performed by those who have backgrounds for the occupations stated above. However, other titles may be applicable depending on the applicant's background, education, and research proposal. The final classification of the position will be made by the Human Resources specialist.)
