A LITTLE ON THE GROUP
The Group STRUCTURE AND NON-LINEAR DYNAMICS OF THE EARTH (SAND Group), is based
at the International Centre for Theoretical Physics
in Trieste, Italy. Research which is carried out throughout the year initiated in 1991. The aim
is to understand the physics of the solid earth, including earthquake
sources, by modelling wave propagation in three-dimensionally
heterogeneous, anelastic and anisotropic media and by modelling the
non-linear dynamics of interacting lithospheric blocks, with the goal of
earthquake prediction. This work has been divided into the projects as
mentioned below. Projects 1 and 2, dealing with earthquake prediction are
headed by Professor V. I. Keilis-Borok (Director, International Institute of
Earthquake Prediction Theory & Mathematical Geophysics, Russian Academy of
Sciences, Moscow, Russia and ICTP Associate) and Projects 3 and 4, dealing
with structure of the Earth, are headed by Professor G.F. Panza(Universita'
degli Studi di Trieste, Italy and ICTP Consultant).
MAIN PURPOSES
The three main purposes of this group are:
- to develop a new theoretical and computation base for the
understanding, creation of models and prediction of seismicity and seismic
risk, through the application of non-linear dynamics;
- to develop the
mitigation of seismic risk, with special attention to Megacities and key Urban
Areas, based on the most accurate possible 3-D modeling of earth structure and
earthquake sources, through the study of wave propagation in three-
dimensionally heterogeneous, inelastic, and anisotropic media;
- to transfer
the technology developed in the project to scientists of the Third World and of
Eastern Europe, and to do this through joint research and development projects
which combine basic science with high technology.
