DISSA – Advanced Analysis of Seismic Sources in Romania Using Large Data Volumes: From Earthquakes to Tectonic Tremors
- Duration: 2021-2023
- Project Coordinator: National Institute for Earth Physics (INFP)
- Project Director: Natalia Poiata
During major earthquakes, the processes governing energy release throughout the seismic cycle occur over a wide temporal scale, ranging from regular earthquakes to slow-slip events. The ability to detail the spatiotemporal patterns that characterize seismic energy release is key to understanding the dynamics of deformation in tectonically active regions, improving long-term earthquake forecasting, and evaluating seismic hazards. The densification and technological advancements in seismic monitoring networks, combined with exponential growth in computational resources, provide unprecedented opportunities to explore seismic sources across new time and frequency scales, significantly enhancing detection levels.
However, this requires the development of advanced (automated) methods. With the availability of sophisticated numerical methods and computational resources, now is the most opportune time to address these challenges.
The project aims to develop a new framework for seismic hazard assessment and communication while contributing to the understanding of seismic energy release processes across multiple scales, associated with various tectonic zones in Romania. The objective is to create a state-of-the-art automated monitoring system based on the latest methodologies for detecting, locating, and characterizing seismic sources. This will be the first system in Romania to employ an automated algorithm for processing large seismic data volumes.
The project will have significant implications for understanding the seismogenic potential of active faults and plate boundaries, as well as for seismic hazard estimation in tectonically active regions.
Furthermore, the project will provide a team of young researchers with the opportunity to contribute to the development of a new research direction, gaining valuable experience and autonomy in scientific research.