[gnu-soc] GNU Behistun Proposal

[Christopher Dimech]

GNU Behistun Proposal for Summer of Code

The GNU Behistun Package is intended to provide a set of tools for computing 
the hidden subsurface properties of the earth using a technique knows as 
Seismic Tomography. Specifically, Seismic Tomography is a geological mapping 
technique that uses propagating acoustic waves that originate from vibrations 
elsewhere. Propagating acoustic waves are sound waves of energy that are 
produced 
by earthquakes, anthropogenic vibrations, or background motion.

Designed to have full 3D tomographic inversion capability, GNU Behistun 
provides the possibility for planning urban underground infrastructure
by overcoming challenges due to geologic complexities. For instance,
if the data is of good quality, the subsurface mapping technique can be 
resolved well enough to indicate weak zones in the bedrock, represented by 
low-velocity structures in the tomographic results. 

Besides urban geological subsurface mapping, the software can have important 
applications towards disaster preparedness and mitigation. The same technique 
can also be used to map the subsurface properties of other planets (e.g., of 
the Moon and Mars) and the interior of stars, particularly of our Sun.

The package is especially looking for technical work to help with the 
underlying 
mathematical requirements, particularly the finite difference approximations 
used to describe seismic wave propagation in the subsurface. The approximations
are partial differential equations containing spatial and temporal derivatives. 

Two steps are required in order to build the corresponding computational 
scheme. 
The use of finite differences implies that computations are to be thought of 
as local: the arrival time at a given grid-point only depends on arrival times 
at its neighbours and the local values of slowness. In the first step, this 
local computation must be designed. The second step will address the  order 
in which arrival times are computed, i.e., how do we propagate computations?

Work on GNU Behistun provides two possibilities that are available to two 
student.
One student can focus on the first step (i.e., the local computation), whereas 
another student can work on the propagation aspects of the arrival time 
computations.   

Help will be provided for producing the first alpha version for GNU Behistun.

---------------------
Christopher Dimech
Chief Administrator - Naiad Informatics - GNU Project (Geocomputation)
- Geophysical Simulation
- Geological Subsurface Mapping
- Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation
- Natural Resource Exploration and Exploitation
- Free Software Advocacy