Modern Methods of Observing Earthquakes: What We Have Learned about Haiti and Chile using Seismology and Space Observations

Thursday, March 30, 2010
8:00 - 9:30 P.M. Lecture
Beckman Auditorium, California Institute of Technology

This public lecture provided an overview of the results obtained from analyzing the information gathered on the recent earthquakes which struck Haiti (January 12, Mw 7.0) and Chile (February 27, Mw 8.8). We discussed what has been learned on those earthquakes from seismology, observations made from satellite systems and field observations. We also discussed how space techniques could in the future improve earthquakes monitoring and help mitigate their effects.

Moderator

  • Lucile Jones – Chief Scientist, Multi Hazards Project – U. S. Geological Survey, Pasadena Visiting Associate – Geology and Planetary Sciences (GPS) Division, Caltech

Speakers

  • Mark Simons – Professor of Geophysics, Caltech (pdf)
  • Anthony Sladen – Research Seismologist, Caltech
  • Rich Briggs – Research Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Golden, Colorado
  • Ken Hudnut – Geophysicist, U. S. Geological Survey, & Visiting Assoc. in GPS Division, Caltech
  • Eric Fielding – Research Scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory