Full waveform inversion (FWI) is an inversion technique that uses least squares theory to compute a velocity model of the Earth that minimizes the difference between an acquired shot and a synthetic shot. The technique proved to be of hard usage in industry and the goal of the project is to research for solutions that allow the application on real seismic data. The gradient (direction of the model update) will be computed with the PSPI migration and the scale factor (for proper update) will be computed by least squares. The final implement is to apply it on elastic waves (real data).

The intern will begin her project by conducting independent research on policy development, Inuit engagement, and the development of the offshore oil and gas industry in Nunavut for the month of May. She will then travel to Iqaluit for the month of June to complete a work term with the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA). Throughout this work term, the intern will analyze and review an offshore oil and gas policy prepared by Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., and provide the QIA with a report outlining the strength and weaknesses of the policy based on QIA’s mandate.

This unique research project, undertaken by Master of Northern Governance and Development (MNGD) students, contributes significantly to our understanding of the North. The research focuses on community-based responses to rapid economic, social, and environmental changes and the development of the local capacity to respond. The analysis is collaborative, involving key stakeholders at the community and multi-community levels, and is informed by their values and interests.

With the benefit of three months supervision from Dr Argha Banerjee at the Indian Institute for Science Education and Research, my research on glacier dynamics and hydrology in High Mountain Asia (HMA) will make an important contribution to understanding the likely impacts of climate change, understanding that will improve people’s resilience. HMA is the most glacierized region in the world after the Poles and glacial meltwater is vital to hundreds of millions of people downstream. Research there has so far been limited and is now a high priority.

Fresh water is becoming an increasingly precious resource, and correct management plans are vital to the continued survival of groundwater aquifers and rivers for human use. 2013/2014 was the driest year in São Paulo State, and this drought is still affecting agricultural land use. In parallel with the decreasing water supply, we have an increasing consumption for urban, industrial and agricultural purposes. Part of management involves predicting available freshwater. We are conducting a research project to explore freshwater resources in several locations across São Paulo State.

The proposed research will study the rock breakdown on the Moon due to thermal fatigue caused by the thermal stresses arising from diurnal temperature changes. This is done through data analysis, modeling, and physical experiments. This work is important because it fills a key gap in our understanding of the processes by which the lunar regolith - the name given to the fine debris layer, tens to hundreds of meters thick, that covers the surface of the Moon - forms and evolves.

A hydro-climatological network of data collecting stations has already been set up at the Bauru Aquifer System in a conservation area in Águas de Santa Bárbara, Sao Paulo, Brazil by Dr. Rodrigo Manzione of UNESP Ourinhos. The purpose of this internship is to use the data that has already been collected to make predictions about how the water table will react to varying inputs of rainfall, ie. how much water will actually reach the water table with respect to the amount of rainfall.

Shear zone-hosted, or orogenic, gold deposits are a significant mineral resource in the Superior Province of Canada. This study will investigate the nature and genesis of gold mineralisation in the Red Lake area of the Uchi subprovince. Recent exploration by Bounty Gold Corp. has identified Au mineralisation in the Laird Lake area close to the giant deposits of Red lake. This study will characterise the nature and tectonic setting of the host rocks to the mineralisation in order to provide a framework for subsequent studies into the Au-bearing fluids themselves.

Currently, developing 3D pipeline GIS (Geographical Information System) with 3D data interoperability is not only highly required by pipeline industry but also essential for building 3D SDI (Spatial Data Infrastructure). This project proposes a novel approach to develop a new 3D GIS Web Services framework and components that is suitable for 3D Pipeline GIS and 3D SDI.