Theme I - Introductory Material

Editor: Andrew J. Michael

Author: David Vere-Jones

Abstract: This article originated as a lecture at the Statistical Seismology V meeting in Erice, Italy which was held in 2007. This lecture sought to define the role for statistics and stochastic models in furthering our understanding of earthquake processes and in solving practical problems related to earthquake occurrence. Given the importance of such tasks in our field, the lecture concluded with some comments on how to include statistics in the education of seismologists and some comments on future perspectives for this field.

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Authors: Andrew J. Michael & Stefan Wiemer

Abstract: Statistical seismology is the application of rigorous statistical methods to earthquake science with the goal of improving our knowledge of how the earth works. Within statistical seismology there is a strong emphasis on the analysis of seismicity data in order to improve our scientific understanding of earthquakes and to improve the evaluation and testing of earthquake forecasts, earthquake early warning, and seismic hazards assessments. Given the societal importance of these applications, statistical seismology must be done well. Unfortunately, a lack of educational resources and available software tools make it difficult for students and new practitioners to learn about this discipline. The goal of the Community Online Resource for Statistical Seismicity Analysis (CORSSA) is to promote excellence in statistical seismology by providing the knowledge and resources necessary to understand and implement the best practices, so that the reader can apply these methods to their own research. This introduction describes the motivation for and vision of CORRSA. It also describes its structure and contents.

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