SCEC Award Number 24118 View PDF
Proposal Category Collaborative Research Project (Multiple Investigators / Institutions)
Proposal Title High-resolution seismic imaging of the Bishop Basin using a mixed-mode seismic array
Investigator(s)
Name Organization
Heather Ford University of California, Riverside Roby Douilly University of California, Riverside
SCEC Milestones A3-6 SCEC Groups Seismology, CEM, GM
Report Due Date 03/15/2025 Date Report Submitted 07/27/2025
Project Abstract
This project aimed to improve the SCEC community seismic velocity model for a region within Owens Valley, with a focus on the Bishop Basin including the Big Pine Volcanic Field. To better constrain seismic structure and fault geometry, we proposed a passive-source seismic experiment using a mixed array of nodal and broadband seismometers. These instruments were to be deployed in a rolling configuration over a 15 × 50 km area. The results would be primarily used to support ambient noise tomography, Ps receiver function analysis, and HVSR measurements. Although the project faced major permitting delays—particularly with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), which controls most of the proposed deployment area—progress has been made toward implementation. Five site visits were conducted to establish landowner relationships and significant progress was made using CalTopo and ArcGIS Field Maps, which proved critical for navigation, mapping infrastructure, and planning field logistics. While data collection has not yet commenced, this work represents a continuation of SCEC efforts to improve crustal imaging of eastern California, a region of high seismic hazard. When completed, the resulting velocity model will be archived at the IRIS/EarthScope DMC and integrated into the SCEC CVM framework. The project has also supported student training, contributed to public presentations (AGU 2024), and will inform a forthcoming peer-reviewed publication on field planning tools - CalTopo and ArcGIS Field Maps.
Intellectual Merit This project was designed to address an important knowledge gap in the seismic structure of Owens Valley, a region of high seismic hazard. While we could not complete data collection, with continued effort we hope to do so in 2026. By integrating a newly collected data set composed of both broadband and nodal data, the data and models will strengthen the Community Velocity Model and inform regional seismic hazard assessments, contributing directly to SCEC science goals.
Broader Impacts This project has helped to train a UCR graduate student in seismic experiment planning and development and allowed them to present ongoing related research on Walker Lane at the SCEC 2024 meeting. The project has also helped to improve efficacy of permitting and instrument siting, and the establishment of tools like CalTopo and ArcGIS Field Maps for seismic experiments conducted at UCR, knowledge of which we intend to share with the broader community. Future data collection will ultimately improve our understanding of seismic hazard in Owens Valley.
Project Participants Heather Ford (UCR), Roby Douilly (UCR), Ashley Stroup (UCR), Beth Shallon (UCR), Nicolas Barth (UCR)
Exemplary Figure Figure 2. (left) Shaded relief map taken from CalTopo. Circled letters mark the locations of recorded Field Maps entries, taken in the field during siting. The locations correspond to potential challenges in deployment, including gates, water crossings, rough terrain, etc. (B) Screen shot of similar data, shown in the Field Maps app. Each orange square indicates a location where information was recorded related to road conditions. Colored and grey circles correspond to proposed station locations.
Linked Publications

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