Month: August 2013

Two pre-AGU GeoPRISMS Mini-Workshops – plan your travel now!

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For all GeoPRISMS researchers interested in subduction zone studies – see below for information about upcoming pre-AGU Mini-Workshops, scheduled for Sunday, December 8, 2013.  Please mark your calendars today, and plan your AGU travel accordingly!
If you are interested in field work opportunities in either or both
  (1) Kermadec Arc-Havre Trough
  (2) the Aleutian Arc and Alaska
consider attending the following mini-workshops before the 2013 Fall AGU Meeting. Both mini-workshops will be held in conjunction with the AGU special session “Tectonics and magmatism in the Alaska-Aleutian, Cascadia and Taupo-Tonga subduction systems”.
Further details about registration and mini-workshop programs will be coming soon.  Keep an eye on:
http://www.geoprisms.nineplanetsllc.com/mini-workshops.html
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(1) Kermadec Arc-Havre Trough Planning Mini-workshop
Sunday, December 8, 2013, 8-12 pm, Grand Hyatt, Fillmore ABC
The Kermadec Arc and Havre Trough (KAHT) intraoceanic arc – back-arc system (extending north from the Taupo Volcanic Zone of New Zealand to the Tonga-Lau subduction system) has become the focus of international interest as part of the New Zealand GeoPRISMS primary site.  Initial discussions during the GeoPRISMS New Zealand planning meeting, held in April 2013 in Wellington, concurred that maximum benefit from research over the KAHT system would come from advance coordination, particularly in the area of choosing specific regions for detailed study and integrating results to maximize the synergy between different expeditions and research programs.
Pelase join these initial coordination discussions at a Pre-AGU Meeting mini-workshop on Sunday morning.
Mini-Workshop Goals:
– Share recent research results and available datasets from the KAHT system
– Identify remaining data gaps in the area
– Share information of upcoming/planned and proposed cruise proposals and research programs.
– Further refine the key research questions that can be addressed within the KAHT system and how GeoPRISMS can best address these issues within the framework of recent and proposed studies, particularly with respect to collaborations with international groups
– Coordinate areas of investigation to maximize studies in specific geographic regions, in accord with the key science questions (see above) and the upcoming and planned cruises by various groups.
– Foster cooperation and coordination in KAHT research within GeoPRISMS and with other international research groups working in the area.
(2) Workshop on Field Logistics for GeoPRISMS Research in the Aleutian Arc
Sunday, December 8, 2013, 1-6 pm, Grand Hyatt, Fillmore ABC
An NSF-supported Workshop on Aleutian Field Logistics, on Sunday, December 8, before the Fall AGU Meeting in San Francisco, will address coordination of logistical resources for field work in the oceanic Aleutian arc and along the Alaska Peninsula.
We will assess the level of available resources and community interest in proposed, shared field support for GeoPRISMS supported research jn the Aleutian arc. In one important option, NSF is considering chartering a ship and an associated helicopter, which would leave Anchorage for the western Aleutians, in a 40 to 60 day round trip, in the summers of 2015 and 2016. NSF-supported investigators would board and disembark as needed, in ports such as Cold Bay, Dutch Harbor, Adak Island, and perhaps other ports, and would use the ship and helicopter to access field sites along the Aleutians.
We will also consider the potential contributions and needs from IRIS for the transportable array deployment in Alaska, from the Alaska Volcano Observatory for their ongoing volcano monitoring efforts, from NOAA Ocean Exploration, and other interested organizations whose goals include potential synergy with GeoPRISMS research in the oceanic Aleutian arc and the Alaska Peninsula.

The motivation for these plans is to reduce the logistical cost per project for field research in the Aleutians, as part of the GeoPRISMS Alaska Focus Area, while maximizing the number of field projects that can be supported. In particular, we hope that – by minimizing cost and streamlining logistical planning – an NSF-supported, shared ship and helicopter will provide access to investigators who otherwise might not participate in Aleutian research, in order to ensure the maximum scientific return on this unprecedented opportunity to study a uniquely important part of the global subduction system.

Central goals of the workshop will include:

(1) Assessing the level of community interest in one or more shared logistical platforms. Specifically, how many potential PI’s will submit proposals to GeoPRISMS for field work in the Aleutian arc? Will there be enough participation to justify NSF support for shared logistics? Alternatively, will there be “too much” interest, necessitating a mechanism for prioritizing potential users, and/or deployment of supplementary, alternative logistical platforms?

(2) Assessing the logistical requirements. How many likely projects will require helicopter access? What will be the payloads? For example, for broadband seismometer installation, how many kg of cement, etc, will be needed? What will be the flying times, and associated fuel consumption? How many projects will require multi-day stays on islands or other remote locations? How will drop off and pickup be coordinated? Will other vessels be required? Will other vessels be available when needed? Is dredging an option? Is deployment of ocean bottom seismometers an option?

(3) Seeking partnerships with other groups who might be able to contribute resources to support a shared facility, and/or who might be interested in using such a facility. If potential GeoPRISMS use is not overwhelming, would other groups (IRIS, Alaska Volcano Observatory, NOAA, biological oceanographers, Š) be interested in co-sponsoring a shared ship and helicopter? If IRIS, Alaska Volcano Observatory and/or NOAA plan to support other logistical platforms in the region, to what extent might they be willing to share use of these platforms for GeoPRISMS projects? Could NSF provide partial support of these other platforms?

(4) Discussing different funding options with NSF personnel. Will NSF support the ship and some helicopter related costs separately from individual project budgets, as is done for ship costs in marine geology and geophysics projects? What proportion of costs – for example hourly helicopter charges and associated fuel costs – should appear in individual project budgets?
We anticipate several outcomes from this workshop.
IF the December workshop is deemed a success by NSF, then an NSF supported, shared ship and helicopter would be available for Aleutians field work in the summers of 2015 and 2016. In addition, we can anticipate broad interest from other agencies in sharing resources in the 2015 and 2016 field seasons. The workshop will establish structures for coordinating these interests, working out the details of scheduling, funding and necessary infrastructure.
The NSF GeoPRISMS Program has previously announced a window of opportunity for proposals in the Alaska Primary Site in July 2013 (FY 2014) and 2014 (FY 2015). NSF GeoPRISMS Program Directors have assured us that proposals for Aleutian field work, submitted in 2014 but not accepted, may be revised and resubmitted in July 2015. Proposals for field work in the Aleutians will still be accepted this year for field work in summer 2014. It is up to individual PI’s to decide whether to wait and see if the shared field platform is funded for 2015-16 before submitting a proposal. However, remember that until a shared platform has been funded, every proposal will be reviewed as though each project will shoulder the full logistical burden of field work, even for 2015 and 2016 field work.
In the near future, similar announcements will include links to a site where participants in the December workshop can register.
The choice of venue was made to reduce travel costs for participants already planning to attend the Fall AGU Meeting. There will be no registration fee. NSF plans to subsidize the cost of meeting facilities and refreshments for the workshop, but not travel. There will be a limited number of participants. Ideally, the maximum number will be attained, but not exceeded. Thus, PLEASE REGISTER EARLY, AND HELP US SPREAD THE WORD to as many potential participants as possible.
Please feel free to direct questions about the Workshop to me or other members of the organizing committee. Please direct questions about proposals for Aleutian field work to NSF GeoPRISMS Program Directors Bilal Haq <bhaq@nsf.gov>, and Jennifer Wade <jwade@nsf.gov>, and Jim Beard <jbeard@nsf.gov>.
Best wishes,
Peter Kelemen <peterk@ldeo.columbia.edu>
on behalf of the coordinating committee for the
Workshop on Shared Support for Aleutian Field Work:
Peter van Keken, incoming GeoPRISMS Chair <keken@umich.edu>
Julia Morgan, GeoPRISMS Chair <morganj@rice.edu>
Geoff Abers, past MARGINS Chair <abers@ldeo.columbia.edu>
Jeff Freymueller <jeff.freymueller@gi.alaska.edu>
Peter Haeussler <pheuslr@usgs.gov>
Steve Holbrook <steveh@uwyo.edu>
Brian Jicha <bjicha@geology.wisc.edu>
Peter Kelemen <peterk@ldeo.columbia.edu>
John Power <jpower@usgs.gov>
Gene Yogodzinski <gyogodzin@geol.sc.edu>
**********
One example of the kind of ship NSF could charter is the Maritime Maid. Information on this vessel is available at http://www.maritimehelicopters.com/. Other, larger platforms may be available, for example through the State of Alaska, the Coast Guard or NOAA.
One example of a ship that could provide additional support, for example pickup of field parties, is the Tiglax. This ship is often used for short term deployments or pickups of geological field parties. Information is available at http://alaskamaritime.fws.gov/tiglax.htm.

Two faculty, two postdoc positions

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(1) Assistant Professor position in geodynamics, University of California, Santa Barbara
(2) Assistant/Associate/Full Professor in Coast Hazards, Louisiana State University
(3) Postdoctoral Researcher, Mantle Processes Group, Stanford University
(4) Seismological Laboratory Director’s Postdoctoral Scholar, Caltech
PLEASE NOTE, NEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS (USUALLY) WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE GeoPRISMS LISTSERV ON THE 1st AND 15th OF EACH MONTH.
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(1) Assistant Professor position in geodynamics, University of California, Santa Barbara
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA BARBARA
DEPARTMENT OF EARTH SCIENCE
GEODYNAMICS
The Department of Earth Science at the University of California, Santa Barbara, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the broad area of geodynamics, starting July 1, 2014. We seek an innovative geophysicist who investigates solid earth processes with modern geophysical data and simulation methods. Areas of technical expertise might be in geodesy, seismology, and numerical modeling, but are not limited to them. We particularly seek candidates who both complement our current research program and integrate across tectonics and geophysics.

The successful candidate is expected to develop a vigorous, externally funded research program, and supervise research by graduate and undergraduate students. A Ph.D. or an equivalent degree is required at the time of appointment.

Applicants should submit: a PDF containing a letter of application; their curriculum vitae; a description of teaching and research objectives and accomplishments; and the contact information of three referees who will provide letters. Applicants should request three referees to send letters of evaluation by November 1st, 2013. The application file and letters of reference should be submitted to https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu.

Review of applications will begin November 1st, 2013. The position will remain open until filled, but to ensure full consideration, application materials should be submitted by this date.

The department is especially interested in candidates who contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching, and service.

UCSB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
(2) Assistant/Associate/Full Professor in Coast Hazards, Louisiana State University
(Coastal Hazards Prediction and Mitigation)
Center for Computation and Technology
Louisiana State University
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE), the Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences (DOCS), and the Center for Computation & Technology (CCT) at Louisiana State University invite applications for four joint faculty positions in Coastal Hazards Prediction and Mitigation (CHAPM). We are seeking world-class leaders, exemplary mid-career scholars, and emerging junior scholars to join our dynamic, interdisciplinary research center that brings multiple departments and diverse faculty together to solve complex problems using computational sciences integrated with coastal engineering and science.
Departmental affiliations will be made as appropriate, and all positions are tenure-track.
Preference will be given to candidates committed to building interdisciplinary research teams that complement existing strengths among the faculty in CEE, DOCS and CCT. Candidates’ fields of interest should include one or more of the following:
–  Hurricane-Induced Wind and Flood Hazards
–  Tsunami Hazards
–  Coastal Erosion Hazard
–  Oil Spill and Hypoxia Hazards
–  Computational Hydrodynamics and Hydraulics in the Coastal Environment
–  Regional Climate Change
Required Qualifications:  Successful candidates must possess a Ph.D. within their disciplines and distinguished records of research accomplishments and publications, as well as strong reputations in their disciplines, or the capacity to build the same in the case of emerging scholars. A history or potential to attract extramural funding and work with interdisciplinary teams that include doctoral students, post-docs, and research associates is expected. Candidates who demonstrate an appreciation for the economic development potential of coastal hazards modeling and monitoring are especially encouraged to apply.
Successful candidates are expected to contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching in their home departments, and to work closely with faculty in CEE, DOCS and other departments at LSU (e.g., Coastal Studies Institute), as well as the CCT faculty to foster the development of a center of excellence in Coastal Hazards Prediction and Mitigation at LSU. The CCT offers an innovative and interdisciplinary research environment for advancing computational sciences, including a highly competitive computing environment. We encourage applications from women and minorities. An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check. Application deadline is August 31, 2013 or until candidates are selected.  Apply online and view a more detailed ad at: www.lsusystemcareers.lsu.edu. Position # 037289/90/91/92
LSU IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER
Quick link to ad URL: https://lsusystemcareers.lsu.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=56203
(3) Postdoctoral Researcher, Mantle Processes Group, Stanford University
The Mantle Processes Group in the Department of Geological & Environmental Sciences at Stanford University is looking for a postdoctoral researcher. Applicants must have a PhD and experience in studying the chemistry, rheology or dynamics of the mantle. Expertise in micro-analytical techniques (SIMS, EBSD, TEM, confocal Raman or tomography) or in modeling is preferred. The position is available for a year, starting in 2014, with renewal for 1-2 years contingent upon performance and funding. Applicants should include a short (2-3 pages, including any figures and references) description of project plans for the appointment period in their application. More information is available at mantleprocesses.stanford.edu or by contacting Prof. Jessica Warren. To apply, submit a research statement, project proposal, and CV to warrenj@stanford.edu, plus three letters of recommendation to be sent directly. Priority will be given to applications received by November 1, 2013.
Stanford University is an equal opportunity employer committed to increasing the diversity among its students, staff, and faculty. It welcomes applications from minority groups and women, as well as others who would bring additional dimensions to the university’s research, teaching and service missions.
(4) Seismological Laboratory Director’s Postdoctoral Scholar, Caltech
The Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) invites applications for the Seismological Laboratory Director’s Postdoctoral Scholar position. We invite applications for a post doctoral position in any research area covered by the Seismological Laboratory, including, but not limited to: Observational seismology, earth structure, earthquake physics, earthquake early warning, computational geophysics, mineral physics, geodesy, geodynamics, and tectonics. We are especially interested in individuals whose research naturally links with any of the research programs within the Seismo Lab, GPS Division, or other parts of Caltech. A Ph.D. is required and initial appointment will be for one year. Starting date is flexible, and applications will be considered until filled. For additional information, please contact Prof. Michael Gurnis, gurnis@gps.caltech.edu. Applicants should send a CV, a brief statement of research interests and experience, and arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent electronically to Marcia Hudson at: marcia@gps.caltech.edu.
Caltech is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and disabled persons are encouraged to apply.

Ocean Bottom Seismograph Workshop – Support Deadline August 15th

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This is a reminder that the application deadline for travel support is August 15th.
Registration for the workshop will close on September 15.
The Ocean Bottom Seismograph Instrument Pool (OBSIP) Management Office will be hosting a workshop to promote the science and applications of ocean bottom seismographs for geophysics research.
A preliminary agenda for the workshop includes sessions on experiment results, OBS technology, international OBS development efforts, and active source waveform inversion technology development.
Registration is now open at the OBSIP website – www.obsip.org
Current invited speakers for the workshop include:Suichi Kodaira
Mechita Schmidt-Aursch
Hitoshi Kawakatsu
Haijime Shiobara
Nick Harmon
Gabi Laske
Spahr Webb
Frederik Simons
Satish Singh
Jo Morgan
Jeff McGuire
Jim Gaherty
Anne Sheehan
Philippe Charvis
Jochen Braunmiller
Emilie Hooft

This workshop is being organized and planned by the following Steering Committee:

Monica Kohler
Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering
California Institute of Technology

John Nabelek
College of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences
Oregon State University

Harm Van Avendonk
University of Texas Institute for Geophysics
The University of Texas at Austin

Doug Wiens
Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences
Washington University in Saint Louis

Location:     Portofino Hotel, Redondo Beach, California
Date:         October 21 – 22, 2013

On the Sunday afternoon and evening prior the OBS workshop (October 20) starting at 2:00 PM there will be a half-day mini-workshop on the ocean bottom seismometer portion of the Cascadia Initiative (http://http://cascadia.uoregon.edu/CIET/).  The objectives of this meeting will be to (1) update the community on the status of the deployments, (2) discuss the data quality, (3) provide a forum for short presentations on the initial results and plans for data analysis, and (4) discuss the motivation and priorities for the fourth year of the deployments.  Participants in the OBS Workshop who are interested in the Cascadia Initiative experiment are encouraged to attend.
Brent Evers
Project Manager
OBSIP Management Office
Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology
1200 New York Avenue, NW
Suite 400
202-682-2220 x156