Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/Z00036X/1
NSFGEO-NERC: Advancing capabilities to model ultra-low velocity zone properties through full waveform Bayesian inversion and geodynamic modeling
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Professor S Rost, University of Leeds, School of Earth and Environment
- Grant held at:
- University of Leeds, School of Earth and Environment
- Science Area:
- Earth
- Overall Classification:
- Panel A
- ENRIs:
- Natural Resource Management
- Science Topics:
- Mantle & Core Processes
- Properties Of Earth Materials
- Abstract:
- Ultra-Low Velocity Zones (ULVZs) are structures with strongly reduced seismic velocities at Earth's core-mantle boundary (CMB) which have been associated with or linked to hot-spot volcanism, Large Igneous Provinces, core-mantle interaction, downwelling subduction and Large-Low Velocity Provinces (LLVPs) and thus are a critical component of global mantle dynamics. ULVZs are typically studied using waveform analysis of ULVZ-sensitive seismic probes (e.g., SPdKS, ScP, ScS), but previous studies suffer from large uncertainties in ULVZ parameters due to modeling trade-offs and lack a geophysical inference of ULVZs through rigorous parameter estimation. We seek to develop a transformative waveform inversion approach and apply it to characterize ULVZ properties including their seismic velocities, density, size, and shape. Specifically, we propose to (1) collect a new database of highly ULVZ-sensitive ScP and PcP waveforms utilizing publicly available seismic array data as well as new data from South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and the International Monitoring System (IMS) arrays, (2) advance our capabilities for full waveform Bayesian inversion for ULVZ properties in order to quantitatively distinguish regions with and without ULVZ structures (i.e., Bayesian model selection), and to perform joint inversion of ScP and PcP waveforms, (3) quantify the waveform effects from 2-D/3-D ULVZ structures, (4) search for additional, previously unlooked-for arrivals in the ScP wavefield consistent with 3-D ULVZ structure using array processing approaches, and (5) relate observed ULVZ localities and properties to lowermost mantle flow and dynamics through 3D geodynamic models.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/Z00036X/1
- Grant Stage:
- Awaiting Event/Action
- Scheme:
- Standard Grant FEC
- Grant Status:
- Active
- Programme:
- Lead Agency Grant
This grant award has a total value of £239,569
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| DI - Other Costs | Indirect - Indirect Costs | DA - Investigators | DI - Staff | DA - Estate Costs | DI - T&S | DA - Other Directly Allocated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £11,754 | £108,451 | £15,475 | £70,512 | £22,902 | £8,403 | £2,070 |
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