REU Opportunity for Summer 2021

The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Science at the University of Houston has opened an undergraduate research opportunity for summer 2021. The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) is funded by the National Science Foundation. We welcome applications from students representing the full spectrum of society. Women, persons with disabilities, and underrepresented minority groups (blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, American Indians, or Alaska Natives), are particularly encouraged to apply. The selected student will analyze seismic data to understand the mechanism of deep earthquakes, a long-standing challenge in seismology. The program duration is up to 12 weeks, with the earliest start date of June 1, 2021. During the REU, the student will be expected, if possible, to write and submit a conference abstract to the 2021 fall AGU meeting in New Orleans. Funding will be provided to the student to attend the meeting. The selected student will receive a stipend of $600/week for up to 12 weeks.

Project Description


Recent analysis (Li et al., 2018) of global deep earthquake seismic radiation patterns showed compelling evidence that strong seismic anisotropy exists in global subducting plates (known as slabs) hosting the deep earthquakes. If it is the case, we should expect to see an apparent explosion component of a shear dislocation faulting, as well as complex shear wave splitting patterns for the S waves transmitted through the titled anisotropic slab. The goal of the project is to find the explosion component of the source and further verify the existence of the strong slab anisotropy. For background information, see the paper by Li, J., Y. Zheng, L. Thomsen, T.J.Lapen, and X.Fang (2018). Deep earthquakes in subducting slabs hosted in highly anisotropic rock fabric, Nature Geoscience, doi:10.1038/s41561-018-0188-3.

Eligibility

Minimum requirements*

*We understand that multiple paths can lead to seismology. If you are uncertain about if you meet these requirements, please contact us to inquire. Don't be shy.

To Apply:

  1. Fill out the attached application form
  2. Your Curriculum Vitae
  3. Provide an unofficial version of your transcript (.pdf file). An unofficial transcript should list your coursework for all terms, the number of credits earned, and the grades for each course.
  4. Email the materials (Excel application form,CV, and the transcript) to Dr. Yingcai Zheng, yzheng12@uh.edu by 5 pm (CDT), May 31, 2021. Early submissions are strongly encouraged. In the email subject line, please put ‘2021 UHEAS REU’ + Your name + your school’s name.
For more information, please contact the REU advisor, Dr. Yingcai Zheng , yzheng12@uh.edu at the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Houston. Check out this link for research information.

Expected outcomes

From this REU research experience, the student is expected to master the following skills and training. In addition to the above outcomes, the REU experience can build a strong resume for the student.


Supported by NSF EAR-2027150.