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2026 Technical Course: Imaging P to S conversion data in 3D with plane wave migration

Date(s): November 2 & 4, 2026
Location: Virtual

APPLICATIONS OPEN AROUND SEPTEMBER 7, 2026

Course Description:

This course introduces a 3D plane wave migration (pwmig) Python package that builds on MsPASS. Participants will learn the concepts behind the package, how to run it using a standard test dataset, and what is required to adapt the workflow for use with their own data.

Primary Audience:  Seismologists familiar with receiver function imaging who could use a fully 3D package.

Secondary Audience:  Any seismologists interested in Earth structure.

Learning Objectives:

  • Develop a basic understanding of how to create input data for P to S conversion imaging.
  • Install the pwmig package on a local computer cluster.
  • Understand the sequence of steps required to run the pwmig package.
  • Use available resources to configure pwmig to handle their own data.

Participant Commitment:

Minimum requirement is attendance at the 3-hour lecture and hands-on session. Participants intending to apply the package to their own work should plan to invest additional days adapting the workflow. A short quiz (approximately 1–2 hours) will reinforce key concepts.

Prerequisites, Computer and Data:

Coursework/Content Knowledge:

  • Completion of the MsPASS course.

Scientific Computing Skills (minimum proficiency levels indicated in proposal):

  • Python – Working
  • Jupyter Notebooks – Functional
  • Linux/UNIX (Shell Scripting) – Functional
  • GMT – Functional
  • Signal Processing – Functional
  • Other: MsPASS – Functional

Hardware:

  • Web access to GeoLab for hands-on activities. For independent use, access to a modern HPC cluster.

Software:

  • Web browser.

Internet:

  • Connection sufficient to support Zoom.

Brief Agenda:

Tentative agenda is listed below, and subject to change.

Single Session (3 hours):

  • 1-hour lecture introducing pwmig concepts.
  • 2-hour hands-on session demonstrating how to run the package using the standard test dataset.

Assessment:

Participants will complete a short Moodle quiz following the session to assess understanding of core concepts.

Instructors:

Gary Pavlis, Indiana University

Tammy Bravo, EarthScope