The spectral-element method, Beowulf computing, and global seismology.

Komatitsch, Dimitri; Ritsema, Jeroen; Tromp, Jeroen · Science · 2002

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The propagation of seismic waves through Earth can now be modeled accurately with the recently developed spectral-element method. This method takes into account heterogeneity in Earth models, such as three-dimensional variations of seismic wave velocity, density, and crustal thickness. The method is implemented on relatively inexpensive clusters of personal computers, so-called Beowulf machines. This combination of hardware and software enables us to simulate broadband seismograms without intrinsic restrictions on the level of heterogeneity or the frequency content.