As an established seismologist and geodesist, Diego Melgar applies real-world seismic data to his research to reveal the physics of earthquakes and other seismic shifts. Applying space-based measurements from GPS and other satellite platforms allow him to uncover the footprints of these large events.
Analyzing data helps Melgar and his team understand the impacts of future earthquakes, and helps them identify potential ruptures in specific areas around the globe.
By looking at early warning systems, Melgar uses algorithms to rapidly characterize the size of a seismic event. Using real-time data and working closely with alerting agencies, Melgar and his team can help determine an event’s magnitude, how fast it can grow, the geographic extent of faulting, and how the event will impact nearby regions.
Melgar also studies coastal tide gauges and ocean bottom pressure sensors to uncover tsunami propagation. Working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) tsunami warning centers allows Melgar to introduce new methods and technologies into operation.
Melgar’s work has found direct relevance to applications such as the U.S. Geological Survey's ShakeAlert earthquake early warning system for the U.S. west coast and local tsunami warnings for the Pacific Rim by the National Oceanic and NOAA Tsunami Warning Centers.