David Al-Attar
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About
Research Area
I work on theoretical and computational problems in geophysics. On a methodological level, I am interested in continuum mechanics as related to the Earth and in the solution of associated inverse problems. My work involves the development, analysis, and numerical implementation of new physical and mathematical theories. In terms of inverse problems, I am particularly interested in the application of rigorous function space methods and on approaches to uncertainty quantification.
A specific area of interest is sea level change. The major goal of this work is to better constrain the evolution of ice sheets back into the last glacial period. This is necessary to quantify deglacial contributions to modern day sea level change, and hence to isolate the component driven directly by anthropogenic climate change. I am also directly interested in modern day sea level change, developing new and improved inference techniques for monitoring the oceans and ice sheets using satellite observations.
Another long-standing area of interest is the large-scale dynamics of the solid Earth including work on seismic free oscillations, body tides, and Earth rotational. Beside the intrinsic physical interest in such problem, this work contributes to studies of the Earth’s deep interior and mantle dynamics.
Project interests
There is potential for a range of projects related to sea level change. This includes ones focused on the inverse problem associated with deglacial sea level change, with the development and application of efficient methods for uncertainty quantification being a major outstanding challenge. Other projects might focus on modern day changes, further developing and implementing new inference techniques for monitoring the oceans and ice sheets.
There is also scope for projects related to solid Earth dynamics. A particular problem of interest relates to the the role of outer core viscosity within tidal and rotational dynamics of Earth-like planets.