RUI: Search for a Stochastic Background of Gravitational Waves Using the Normal Modes of the Earth (Physics)

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Background radiations which bathe the Universe provide important clues to the history of the Universe and can even influence its evolution. A search for a background of gravitational radiation in the mHz frequency range by observing the normal modes of the earth shall be undertaken. The approximately two hundred station-years of data collected by the Project IDA global network of seismometers will be analyzed to look for any residual excitations of the quadrupole modes of the earth. In addition a calculation of the level of excitations of these modes by known terrestrial sources will facilitate the evaluation of the ultimate usefulness of the earth as a gravitational wave detector.