Dale Ingram, LIGO Hanford Observatory I2U2 Ad Group, Oct. 2009 The LIGO e-Lab -- Students...

Dale Ingram, LIGO Hanford Observatory I2U2 Ad Group, Oct. 2009

The LIGO e-Lab -- Students investigate the shaking of the ground as LIGO investigates the shaking of space.

LIGO Student Investigations



LIGO e-Lab data channels are a subset of LIGO’s Physics Environmental Monitoring (PEM) subsystem. Currently Hanford only. Seismometer channels are the e-Lab’s focus.

PEM channels provide raw seismometer data. Data Monitoring Tool (DMT) channels apply calibrations and frequency filters to the raw PEM values.


Major domains of LIGO e-Lab investigations:• Noise-hunting studies (“What caused that?”)• Earthquake studies (Lots of possible research

questions here)• Correlation studies of natural seismic drivers (wind,

rain, ocean waves)• Correlation studies of human activity (traffic patterns,

day-night patterns)• Frequency-based studies using DMT filtered

channels



Noise hunting requires cross-checking using common knowledge, Web data bases, LHO e-Log, etc.



Earthquakes: Signal strength vs. epicenter distance or magnitude, propagation speeds, P and S wave distinctions, differences between directional sensors, etc.



Natural noise: The e-Lab provides access to LHO wind and rain channels. LHO E-Log entries often mention environmental conditions.



Human-generated noise becomes significant above 1 Hz



Filtered DMT channels provide a context for exploring the concept of frequency



Growing the LIGO e-Lab . . .• Populate the poster archive with

student investigations• Position the teacher forum as a

key tool for developing teacher skill in using the e-Lab

• Increase the accuracy and reliability of the software interface

• Increase the scope of the software interface


Dale Ingram, LIGO Hanford Observatory I2U2 Ad Group, Oct. 2009 The LIGO e-Lab -- Students...

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