Anna Teurman
Anna Teurman is a student at Gustavus Adolphus College currently completing her research at Wayne State University under Dr. Scott Burdik.
There is a lot we still don’t know about the structure and dynamics of the Earth. Using machine learning and convolutional neural networks (CNNs), both of which train a computer to recognize patterns, I will be using data from earthquakes to investigate the transition zone of the mantle. As we travel down through the mantle, pressure and temperature increase which causes the materials which make up the mantle to change phase. Notable areas where the materials change can be seen around 410km, 660km, and sometimes 520km. Earthquakes travel outward as waves, these waves also travel through the Earth with their speed changing depending on the material through which they travel. Specifically, I will be looking at waves that have bounced off the underside of the transition zone. These waves are called precursors as they arrive before waves that bounce off the surface of the Earth. We are using machine learning and CNNs as they expedite the identification of these precursor signals. The information we gather will be used to better understand the structure and dynamics of the mantle's transition zone.
Week Three: Hogwarts, Elevators and Graphs
June 28th, 2022
This past week has been very exciting, I have spent more time working with programs and making what feels like more genuine progress. I spent a lot of time plotting distance vs time for some of the data we are using to find trends, along with getting a data set into a format that is more desirable to us.
As I have been working on my elevator pitch, I recently had a lot of opportunities to try it out. I was back in Minneapolis last weekend for my brother’s graduation party. I learned that I had to adapt my pitch, catering it to a range of people from those who had never heard of seismology to people who frequently work with geologists. Though it is not anywhere ready for AGU, I believe I have a good start.
I work in a building called Old Main, which looks like Hogwarts..kinda. I particularly enjoy the courtyard that is just beyond the room where I work.
Week Two: Exploring Data and Detroit
June 21st, 2022
Week two!
In my second week on campus, I am beginning to settle in a bit more, I have a better understanding of my project and even visited a nearby farmers market! I am excited to keep exploring Detroit as I become more settled into the city.
I will be using a data set from Lauren Waszek, a collaborator from Australia who we are working with. This data is presented in the form of vespagrams which are velocity versus time graphs. Specifically, the data set I am using is only looking at P-waves. This set encompasses data from around the world collected by seismometers. What I will be using(a selected group of data) has not been yet published though the data itself comes from the widely accessible IRIS database.
We were asked to reflect on a skill we wanted to improve on and I have chosen independent working. In research your advisor, if you have one at all, will not be able to be there constantly to answer questions or lead you to the next steps. I have been working on this skill to improve my ability to see the small stepping points within the larger project. I have also made sure to ask questions and advocate for myself when I am having a hard time understanding.
Week One: New Adventures!
June 14th, 2022
Whew, these first few weeks have been a whirlwind. Hi! I am Anna, a Physics and Environmental Studies major from Gustavus Adolphus (a small college in southern MN). I became interested in geophysics after taking geology courses, loving them, and thinking of how I could combine my existing enjoyment of physics with it. I am so thankful to IRIS for this internship.
Orientation had us all very busy with crash courses on seismology, data retrival, and analysis. Even though we were very busy we found time to have lots of fun and even some late-night chats in the parking lot of the dorm building. I am very excited to get to see everyone at AGU in December.
After a quick stop at home(in Minneapolis), I made my way to Wayne State University. This first week was spent getting to know the campus as well as my project. I read a good bit of literature and had a good time meeting my advisor, Scott Burdick, as well as some lab mates. We all went out for some non-traditionally flavored pizza, which was fun.
This summer I hope to gain a better understanding of seismology, something I have no prior knowledge of. I want to expand my confidence in programming by trying new things and not being afraid of asking questions or not knowing. I also want to continue my search for grad school, reach out to potential advisors, and begin to set some more concrete plans for the future. I also want to explore Detroit and get to know some of the people here.
Be sure to check in each week for updates on my project!