Seismology
UTIG scientists routinely analyze data from seismographs deployed globally on land, on ice, and on the seafloor as well as on the Moon. Research interests include tectonics, lithospheric structure, mantle dynamics, induced seismicity, seismic/tsunami hazards, theoretical seismology, and lunar/planetary geophysics. In the building where UTIG is housed, computational resources available for algorithm development include an in-house 32-node partial processor as well as the Texas Advanced Computing Center supercomputer.
UTIG has been active in earthquake seismology since 1972. Earthquake research is motivated in part by the concern to determine where active tectonic movement is taking place today. This involves obtaining accurate locations for small earthquakes and relating the pattern of these locations to the regional geology. UTIG scientists have often used their expertise in earthquakes and tectonics to answer questions about particular earthquakes and their implications.
UTIG researchers have deployed ocean bottom seismographs, deployed high resolution temporary networks, analyzed seismograms collected on the Moon, and helped plan seismometers to be deployed on Mars. Members of the UTIG staff have international reputations and travel throughout the world to conduct research and present results. Since Texas has no organization with a formal mandate to provide earthquake information, members of the UTIG scientific staff regularly answer questions asked by private individuals and commercial organizations that must make decisions about construction, travel, insurance, or risk. In addition, UTIG staff members regularly field questions for television and newspaper reporters whenever a newsworthy earthquake occurs.