IRIS: Cornerstone Facilities for Seismology and Earth Sciences

地球内部仍然是一个重要的科学前沿，掌握着理解地球起源的关键，它在地质时期的演变到现在的结构状态，以及驱动板块动力学、地震、火山活动和地磁场的内力。在几公里以下（钻探和侵蚀暴露的极限）无法直接观察的地壳、地幔和地核主要是通过它们与地震波的相互作用来研究的。地震传感器设计以及数据采集、传输和存储方面的最新发展，极大地提高了内部地震成像的分辨率。地震研究，包括快速准确地定位和描述震源、震级和更好地了解所涉及的物理过程，也从最近的技术进步中受益匪浅。2004年12月苏门答腊-安达曼地震的空前规模记录，以及由此产生的对特大地震震源过程的新见解，清楚地证明了对新技术和全球观测系统进行长期投资的重要性。地震学联合研究机构（IRIS）运营着一个国家设施，用于开发、部署和运营支持现代数字地震仪器和数据管理设施，以服务于地球科学基础研究、地震研究和禁止核试验监测方面的国家目标。IRIS项目由一个由102个成员机构组成的联盟进行监督和管理，该联盟几乎包括所有拥有地震学研究项目的美国大学。IRIS还包括越来越多的长期合作伙伴，共有2个美国分支机构，43个外国分支机构和8个教育分支机构。IRIS的核心活动分为五大领域：(1)全球地震台网（GSN）是一个高动态范围、宽带传感器网络，分布在世界各地，间隔2000公里，与美国地质调查局（U.S. Geological Survey）联合运营；(2)大陆岩石圈阵列地震研究项目（pascal）通过借出地震传感器、数据采集、遥测和电力系统，以及规划、运输、现场支持、数据采集和仪器翻新等服务，支持地球科学实验；(3) IRIS数据管理系统（DMS）收集、评估、存档和分发来自GSN、pascal实验、美国国家地震台网以及其他国内和国际来源的所有数据；(4) IRIS教育和推广（E&amp；O）计划使地震学家以外的受众能够出于教育目的访问和使用地震数据和研究，包括教师研讨会、学生实习、博物馆展览、教育材料和资源不足的学校项目；(5)社区活动，促进成员机构之间的合作，以更有效地开展地球科学研究，并在地震学以外的团体中寻求合作伙伴，包括其他地球科学联盟、政府机构和国际组织。IRIS e&o项目在IRIS对更广泛影响的贡献中发挥着核心作用。这一努力的其他更广泛的影响包括全球地震监测网络在地震事件（包括引发海啸的地震事件）早期预警中的作用，以及作为《全面禁止核试验条约》系统的一个关键要素。该合同将在2006-2010年期间为IRIS设施的运作提供支持。＊＊＊

0552316Simpson The Earth's interior remains a major scientific frontier holding the key to understanding the origin of the planet, its evolution through geologic time to its present structural state, as well as the internal forces driving plate dynamics, earthquakes, volcanism, and the geomagnetic field. Inaccessible to direct observation below a few kilometers (the limit of drilling and exposure by erosion) the Earth's crust, mantle, and core are primarily studied through their interaction with seismic waves. Recent developments in seismic sensor design, and the acquisition, transmission and storage of data have resulted in dramatic improvements in the resolving power of seismic imaging of the interior. Earthquake research, including rapid and accurate location and characterization of the earthquake source, its magnitude and a better understanding of the physical process involved, has also benefited greatly from recent technical advances. The unprecedented on-scale recording of the Sumatra-Andaman earthquake of December 2004, and the resulting new insights into the source processes of mega-earthquakes, is clear evidence of the significance of the value of long-term investments in new technology and global observational systems. The Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) operates a national facility for the development, deployment, and operational support of modern digital seismic instrumentation and data management facilities to serve national goals in basic research in the Earth sciences, in earthquake research, and in nuclear test ban monitoring. IRIS programs are overseen and governed by a Consortium of 102 Member Institutions, comprising virtually every US university with a seismology research program. IRIS also includes a growing number of long-term partners, totaling 2 US Affiliates, 43 Foreign Affiliates and 8 Educational Affiliates. IRIS's core activities fall into five broad areas: (1) The Global Seismographic Network (GSN) is a network of high dynamic range, broadband sensors distributed around the world at 2000 km spacing that is operated jointly with the U.S. Geological Survey; (2) The Program for Array Seismic Studies of the Continental Lithosphere (PASSCAL) supports Earth science experiments through loans of seismic sensors, data acquisition, telemetry and power systems and through services that include planning, shipping, field support, data capture, and instrument refurbishment; (3) The IRIS Data Management System (DMS) collects, assesses, archives and distributes all data from the GSN, PASSCAL experiments, the U.S. National Seismic Network, and other national and international sources; (4) The IRIS Education and Outreach (E&O) Program enables audiences beyond seismologists to access and use seismological data and research for educational purposes, including teacher workshops, student internships, museum exhibits, educational materials, and programs for under-resourced schools; and (5) Community Activities that improve collaboration among member institutions to carry out Earth science research more efficiently and to seek partners among groups outside of seismology, including other Earth science consortia, government agencies, and international organizations. The IRIS E&O Program plays a central role in the IRIS contribution to broader impacts. Additional broader impacts of this effort include the GSN's role in the early-warning for earthquake events, including those that create tsunami, and as a key element of the CTBT systems. This award will provide support for the operation of the IRIS facility during the period 2006-2010. ***