Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit

Background
The U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Powell Center is offering funding opportunity to a CESU Partner for research on “Fiber Optic Seismology for Earthquake Hazards Research, Monitoring and Early Warning.” The project aims to improve current efforts in earthquake science by incorporating advancements in fiber-optic seismology. The goal of this proposal is to advance the USGS, along with academic, industry, and agency partners, towards effective utilization of fiber-optic sensing techniques to understand earthquake hazards and to improve monitoring and real-time warning systems.

Grant Details
The project will have two phases: Phase 1 will develop a strategic plan that identifies which aspects of the earthquake program have the highest likelihood of benefitting from fiber-optic technology and what types of concentrated efforts might improve hazard research and products. Investigators will identify technical requirements that instrumentation and/or data must meet to be useful.

A second key goal of this phase will be to develop a database of dark fiber that is potentially accessible for planned scientific experiments and/or rapid hazard response such as aftershock monitoring.

Phase 2 will demonstrate the improvements in forecasting capabilities for ongoing programs including Earthquake Early Warning, offshore fault characterization, urban geotechnical studies, monitoring induced seismicity, and earthquake source physics.

Eligibility Requirements
This financial assistance opportunity is being issued under a Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program. CESU’s are partnerships that provide research, technical assistance, and education. Eligible recipients must be participating partners of the Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Program.

Period of Performance
It is anticipated that one award will be made with one base year and one renewal year. The total estimated funding for this project is $100,000. Funding in the amount of $50,000 is available for FY 2024 and $50,000 for FY 2025.

Grant Value
$100,000