Simplex is a computer program that calculates locations and displacements of subterranean faults from data on Earth-surface deformations. The calculation involves inversion of a forward model (given a point source representing a fault, a forward model calculates the surface deformations) for displacements, and strains caused by a fault located in isotropic, elastic half-space. The inversion involves the use of nonlinear, multi-parameter estimation techniques. The input surface-deformation data can be in multiple formats, with absolute or differential positioning. The input data can be derived from multiple sources, including interferometric synthetic-aperture radar, the Global Positioning System, and strain meters. Parameters can be constrained or free. Estimates can be calculated for single or multiple faults. Estimates of parameters are accompanied by reports of their covariances and uncertainties. Simplex has been tested extensively against forward models and against other means of inverting geodetic data and seismic observations.
This work was done by Gregory Lyzenga, Jay Parker, and Andrea Donnellan of Caltech and Wendy Panero of Ohio State University for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Karina Edmonds of the California Institute of Technology at (818) 393-2827. Refer to NPO-41078.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Computing Fault Displacements From Surface Deformations
(reference NPO-41078) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) titled "Computing Fault Displacements From Surface Deformations," identified by NPO-41078. It is part of NASA Tech Briefs, which disseminate results from aerospace-related developments that have potential applications beyond their original context.
The primary focus of this document is on a new software application named "simplex," which is designed to compute fault displacements resulting from surface deformations. This application is significant for understanding geological processes, particularly in the context of tectonic activity and earthquake research. By analyzing surface deformations, scientists can gain insights into the behavior of faults and the mechanics of the Earth's crust.
The Technical Support Package emphasizes the importance of this software in various fields, including geology, seismology, and engineering. It aims to provide researchers and practitioners with tools to better predict and analyze fault movements, which can have critical implications for disaster preparedness and risk assessment in earthquake-prone regions.
Additionally, the document outlines the availability of further assistance and resources through NASA's Innovative Partnerships Program. It encourages users to explore additional publications and information available from the NASA Scientific and Technical Information (STI) Program Office, which can be accessed online or through direct contact.
The document also includes a notice regarding the liability of the United States Government and its representatives concerning the use of the information contained within. It clarifies that any mention of trade names or manufacturers is for identification purposes only and does not imply official endorsement by NASA.
In summary, this Technical Support Package serves as a valuable resource for those interested in the computational analysis of fault displacements due to surface deformations, providing insights into the software application "simplex" and its broader implications for scientific research and practical applications in understanding geological phenomena.
