Abstract

ABSTRACT : Ambient seismic noise, the background signal ubiquitous on seismic records, yields a wealth of information on ocean wave activity. While satellite observations and wave-rider buoys respectively provide global overviews and spot measurements of ocean storms, they frequently give contrasting results. Seismology provides an independent means of investigation, particularly where array data and/or multi-decadal records are available. This presentation reviews the motivation for understanding ocean storms, both in terms of their own occurrence and severity, and as a noise source for Earth imaging. The needs of ocean-focussed seismology, in comparison to classic earthquake seismology are noted and innovative methods of seismic data processing, including array processing are outlined. New insights are outlined, including the frequency dependence of source locations, newly observed seismic phases, the nature of ocean source signals in short time windows and the changing patterns of ocean storms over three decades.

BIO : Anya Reading leads the ‘Compute Earth’ research group at the School of Natural Sciences (Physics), University of Tasmania as a Professor of Geophysics. As an undergraduate at the University of Edinburgh she studied astrophysics and took Honours in geophysics. Through PhD research at the University of Leeds focused on New Zealand seismology, she began a journey of discovery of the southern hemisphere continents, their tectonic origins and evolution. She held a post-doc position with British Antarctic Survey, and moved to the Australian National University in 2000. In 2007, she joined the academic faculty at University of Tasmania, Hobart: Australia’s international hub for Antarctic and Southern Ocean science and logistics.