25. An Induced Earthquake Experiment in Deep Gold Mines - Natural Earthquake Laboratory in South African Mines

An opportunity exists to participate in detailed near-field observations very close to damaging earthquakes in deep mines. These data will provide critically needed understanding of earthquake source processes, a bridge between laboratory measurements and theoretical models and will lead to improved earthquake hazard assessments. The USGS is a partner in an exciting new program of instrumentation, data collection and data analysis as part of the Natural Earthquake Laboratory in South African Mines (NELSAM) project in collaboration with several U.S. and South African universities. NELSAM is an NSF-supported project designed to investigate the physics of earthquakes and fault slip. By recording strain, displacement and seismic radiation in the near-field of earthquakes in deep gold mines in South Africa, we will focus on issues related to earthquake nucleation, rupture, heat generation, stress state, wave propagation and fault displacement. A postdoctoral researcher is needed to work on aspects of this experiment covering theory, field observations, modeling, fault characterization and laboratory implications. Some data are already available with significant new observations expected as the experiment ramps up in the next year. By directly observing processes related to initiation and rupture propagation of mining-induced earthquakes, this research will yield important information about natural earthquakes and will provide a link between seismology and laboratory earthquake investigations. This work is expected to result in improved understanding of a) how faults are loaded and how they fail, b) the role that material properties and physical conditions play in modulating fault failure, and c) the way faults interact at the surface and at depth. Strong interplay with laboratory and theoretical modeling efforts are expected to result from this study. This work will provide new insights into how earthquakes nucleate and how damaging seismic energy is released.

Proposed Duty Station: Menlo Park, CA

Areas of Ph.D.: Seismology, geophysics

Qualifications: Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications: Research Seismologist, Research Geophysicist

(This type of research is performed by those who have backgrounds for the occupations stated above. However, other titles may be applicable depending on the applicant's background, education, and research proposal. The final classification of the position will be made by the Personnel specialist.)

Research Advisor(s): Malcolm Johnston, 650) 329-4812, mal@usgs.gov; Art McGarr, (650) 329-5645, mcgarr@usgs.gov; Colin Williams, (650) 329-4881, colin@usgs.gov; David Lockner (650) 329-4826, dlockner@usgs.gov

Personnel Office contact: Marie Guillory, (650) 329-4112, guillory@usgs.gov

Summary of Opportunities