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School of Earth Sciences |
Funded MSc by Research studentship in Seismology available for October 2024
A funded 1-year MSc by Research studentship in seismology is available at the School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, in collaboration with the Forensic Seismology group at AWE Blacknest, to start in October 2024.
AWE Blacknest have, for 60 years, been researching techniques to distinguish seismic signals generated by underground nuclear explosions from those generated by earthquakes. Such techniques are part of the verification system for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty which is currently being ratified by United Nations member states. In addition, Blacknest scientists develop techniques to analyse signals generated by explosions in the atmosphere and in the oceans.
Project (see detailed description below)
The global deployment of low-cost, easy-to-deploy, seismometers (such as Raspberry Shakes) has led to a rapid increase in the availability of open-access seismic data in areas where traditional seismic observatories are not located. These instruments are recording previously unknown small magnitude earthquakes, a range of anthropogenic sources of noise (including trains, traffic, heavy rain, football matches) and also events of opportunity. Such recordings are of interest to AWE Blacknest because they can potentially provide additional recordings for analyzing events of interest. However, high levels of anthropogenic seismic noise, and non-ideal deployment locations, complicate the detection of signals with these sensors, especially when they are sited in urban environments. Simple spectral filtering often fails to isolate the signal from noise when their frequency content overlaps to assist in filtering out strong persistent noise sources. The successful MScR candidate will work alongside colleagues at the University of Bristol and AWE Blacknest to understand how such denoising techniques can be optimised for use within urban environments, through applications to datasets from both the US and UK.
Support
This project is offered with support to cover tuition fees, research expenses and provides a (tax exempt) stipend of £14,835. It is restricted to British Nationals qualifying for UK home fee status.
How to Apply
This project requires an undergraduate degree in Geophysics, Physics, Engineering or a related subject. Some geophysics knowledge would be advantageous, as would experience with scientific programming and time series analysis. More general requirements are listed on the Earth Sciences PGR pages.
Applications must be submitted online through the University of Bristol's postgraduate application system. The application should specify Geology (MSc by Research) as the programme, and 'AWE MScR' in the 'Proposed Project' box in the 'Research Details' tab. You should nominate 'James Wookey' as proposed supervisor, and attach a short (<300 word) paragraph describing your suitability for the project as your research statement.
The closing date for applications is Friday 29th March 2024. Enquiries should be directed to Prof. James Wookey.
Further information
Project details : Applying deep-learning denoising to improve seismic event detectability in urban environments.