Deeper Talks: SURF Seminar Series 

Upcoming Talks

April 09, 2025

Topic: Scaling Permeability Evolution Driven by Seismicity (register here)

Speaker: Derek Elsworth

Triggered seismicity is a key hazard where fluids are injected or withdrawn from the subsurface and may also impact permeability. We constrain maximum event magnitudes in triggered earthquakes by relating pre-existing critical stresses to fluid injection volume – to explain why some recorded events are significantly larger than anticipated seismic moment thresholds. This formalism is shown consistent with a number of uncharacteristically large fluid-injection-triggered earthquakes. Such methods of reactivation of fractures and faults through hydraulic stimulation in shear or in tensile fracturing are used routinely as a method to create permeability in the subsurface. Microearthquakes (MEQs) generated in such stimulations may be used as diagnostic of permeability evolution. Although high fidelity datasets are meager, the EGS-Collab (@SURF) and Utah FORGE demonstration projects both provide high fidelity data sets that concurrently track permeability evolution and triggered seismicity. Machine learning deciphers the principal features of MEQs and the resulting permeability evolution that best track changes in permeability – with transfer learning methods allowing robust predictions across multiple geological settings. Changes in permeability on reactivated fractures in both Mode I and II suggest that permeability scales with the seismic moment () of individual MEQs. This scaling relation is exact at early time but degrades with successive MEQs but presents a method for characterizing crustal permeability evolution using MEQs. 

May 14, 2025

Topic: Underground Operations: Maintaining Lab Facilities Beyond the 4850 Level (register here)

Speaker: Bryce Pietzyk and Jason Cannot 

Maintaining the underground facility extends far beyond the initial scope of highly specialized science experiments. The underground operations team plays a crucial role, tirelessly managing a vast network of infrastructure that supports the seamless execution of scientific activities. This extensive underground network presents dynamic challenges, yet it also offers endless opportunities for growth and innovation, particularly in the areas of ventilation, dewatering, and new science areas. This discussion will explore the behind-the-scenes efforts that are essential to creating a safe, healthy, and efficient environment for science to thrive. 

June 11, 2025

Topic: Dark Matter (register here)

Speaker: Center for Theoretical Underground Physics and Other Areas (CETUP*)

Abstract to follow.  

July 9, 2025

Topic: Solar Neutrinos (register here)

Speaker: Aldo Ianni

Abstract to follow.  

August 13, 2025

Topic: How to Spot a Supernova from Deep Underground (register here)

Speaker: Kate Scholberg

Stellar core collapses create enormous burst of tens-of-MeV neutrinos on a timescale of a few tens of seconds after collapse and preceding optical fireworks by hours or days. These neutrinos can be observed in underground neutrino detectors worldwide. The neutrinos themselves carry directional information that can be exploited in order to determine the position of the supernova (or of the compact remnant, in the case of failed explosion) on the sky. I will give an overview of methods for low-latency pointing to core-collapse events with neutrino detectors.

September 10, 2025

Topic: CUSSP Experiment (register here)

Speaker: Kevin Rosso

Abstract to follow.

October 8, 2025

Topic: Homestake to SURF: (1) The Early Days, (2) Thinking Beyond DUNE (register here)

Speaker: Jose Alonso

Abstract to follow.

November 12, 2025

Topic: SNOLAB Research Portfolio and 15-Year Vision for the Laboratory (register here)

Speaker: Stephen (Steve) Sekula

Abstract to follow.