EarthScope Science Plan

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Alexander Snow
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1 EarthScope Science Plan 1

2 Process Original EarthScope Science workshop: October 10-12, 2001, Snowbird UT. Implementation of EarthScope MREFC: Workshop for an EarthScope Science Plan (WESP): October 7-9, 2009, Snowbird UT. Draft of a science plan released prior to fall 2009 AGU meeting with comment period to January 4, Discussion at AGU Town Hall January 31, Science plan released electronically (printed version, February, 2010). 2

3 Ellen Kappel and GeoProse Credits

4 Underlying Principle By providing geophysical data with unprecedented spatial and temporal density and extent, we should expect to discover new processes that had not previously been recognized (e.g. episodic tremor and slip). Some of the most exciting discoveries may come from scientists using the data in new ways (e.g. use of IRIS and UNAVCO data to study the hydrosphere and cryosphere). Therefore the science plan should be inspiring but not prescriptive. The science plans highlights recent discoveries and points out major outstanding questions but does not give specifics on how those questions can be answered.

Some of the most exciting discoveries may come from scientists using the data in new ways (e.g. use of IRIS and UNAVCO data to study the hydrosphere and cryosphere).

5 Plan Structure Executive Summary Summary of Facilities Scientific Targets (with each chapter ending with a list of recent breakthroughs and outstanding question) includes 22 sidebars EarthScope Contributions to Understanding Hazards Expanding EarthScope s Reach EarthScope Data in the Service of EarthScope Science Relationship to Other Programs Conclusions and Recommendations

EarthScope Contributions to Understanding Hazards Expanding EarthScope s Reach EarthScope Data

6 Plan Structure Executive Summary Summary of Facilities Scientific Targets (with each chapter ending with a list of recent breakthroughs and outstanding question) EarthScope Contributions to Understanding Hazards (identification and contribution to community response) Expanding EarthScope s Reach EarthScope Data in the Service of EarthScope Science Relationship to Other Programs Conclusions and Recommendations includes 22 sidebars Download it from the EarthScope homepage!

contribution to community response) Expanding EarthScope s Reach EarthScope Data in the Service of EarthScope Science

7 Chapter 6 EarthScope Data in the Service of EarthScope Science The primary goal of EarthScope is to facilitate synoptic science aimed at addressing questions associated with the structure, dynamics, and evolution of the North American continent. EarthScope facilities are a foundation for this work From its inception, however, EarthScope has recognized that answering the questions highlighted in Section 3 requires many types of geological and geophysical data as well as geodynamic models to tie the different types of data together. 7

EarthScope facilities are a foundation for this work From its inception, however, EarthScope has recognized that answering the

8 Define Data & Data Products Data (raw and quality-controlled geophysical data from EarthScope instruments and rock samples from SAFOD core and drill cuttings) First-order data products (first level of data reduction, such as GPS coordinates, earthquake locations, and magnetotelluric response functions) Higher-order data products (e.g., strain rate maps, seismic tomograms, electrical conductivity models, and mantle flow models) Interpretive products (e.g., volcanic hazard assessments 8

9 Immediate Cyberinfrastructure Needs Cataloging of and access to data products, derived products, and interpretive products Establishing of data and metadata standards Encouraging and coordinating efforts by IRIS and UNAVCO to develop software tools to process and analyze large volumes of data and establish databases of higher order data products Creating greater incentives for potential EarthScope data product developers to make their products available 9 to the community

develop software tools to process and analyze large volumes of data and establish databases of higher order data

10 Immediate Cyberinfrastructure Needs (continued) Creating greater incentives for potential EarthScope data product users to make use of data discovery tools. Developing a framework for implementing the above recommendations. 10

users to make use of data discovery tools.

EarthScope Education and Outreach Program

EarthScope Education and Outreach Implementation Plan EarthScope Revealing Earth s Secrets! 2006-2011 Approved by EarthScope Education and Outreach Committee February 2007 TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary