Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


SMS-Dissertation.pdf (18.21 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

New methods in geophysics and science education to analyze slow fault slip and promote active e-learning

Sit, Stefany
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1375708329

Abstract Details

2013, Doctor of Philosophy, Miami University, Geology and Environmental Earth Science.
This dissertation is an analogue for my own unique learning pathway in academia focused on projects in seismology and science education. My interests in seismology center on convergent boundaries, where friction between the downgoing and overriding plates causes stick-slip behavior and the eventual rapid rupture of the locked zone in a megathrust earthquakes. More recent seismic and geodetic measurements observe new types of stick-slip behavior that occur more slowly (hours to months) at the downdip edge of the locked zone. Broadly, these new behaviors are termed slow slip, which are often geodetically detected, but in some instances inferred through seismic detection of tectonic tremor or local earthquake swarms. My research focuses on tectonic tremor, for which I have developed an efficient detection technique to take advantage of its unique frequency content (2-5 Hz) to determine when the low amplitude, transient signal is active. I have applied this technique in two regions, Cascadia and southern Mexico, where it has performed similarly to other detection methods and often yielded previously unidentified detections. Moreover, in southern Mexico, a multi-year record of both seismic and geodetic data provide a first opportunity to investigate slow slip phenomena prior to the recent Mw 7.4 Ometepec earthquake. Recent observations and models suggest that slow slip can transfer stress updip to the locked zone, increasing the probability for a large earthquake. I search through seismic data and compile indications of slow slip, including geodetic and seismic signals that suggest the Ometepec earthquake was potentially triggered. My final project integrates my study of geohazards with my interests in science education, in order to train students as young scholars in an introductory geohazards course. In a traditional higher education classroom, lectures are a common way to convey information, yet cognitive research tells us students need to utilize greater and different parts of their brain for more efficient and meaningful learning. To create a learning environment focused on individual student experiences and construction of knowledge, I use advancements in technology to redesign a traditional lecture-based course into an active e-learning environment with regular opportunities for scientific investigation and student development.
Michael Brudzinski (Advisor)
William Hart (Committee Member)
Brian Currie (Committee Chair)
Dennis Keeler (Other)
Heather DeShon (Other)
90 p.
Educational Technology; Geophysics
geophysics, science education, tectonic tremor, single station processing, frequency analysis, Ometepec earthquake, e-learning, active learning

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Sit, S. (2013). New methods in geophysics and science education to analyze slow fault slip and promote active e-learning [Doctoral dissertation, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1375708329

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Sit, Stefany. New methods in geophysics and science education to analyze slow fault slip and promote active e-learning. 2013. Miami University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1375708329.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Sit, Stefany. "New methods in geophysics and science education to analyze slow fault slip and promote active e-learning." Doctoral dissertation, Miami University, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1375708329

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

miami1375708329
326
© 2013, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.