Fred Schwab (1934 - 2023)

Fred Schwab, born February 12, 1934, a theoretical seismologist, passed away within an age of 89 on August 7, 2023. He was appointed by Leon Knopoff in the 1960s to pursue synthetic seismology, a subject to which he devoted his whole career. He developed a reputation as a meticulous developer of seismic tools.

Throughout his career virtually every synthetic seismology program was limited to models having either a flat earth or a perfectly spherical one. However, Fred was interested in the seismic shaking in regions such as the Himalayas and so developed ingenious methods to sum normal nodes modes in regions of vastly different surface curvature, at the same time taking into account anisotropy and attenuation.

His expertise was an important resource for students in the EPSS seismology group, but in addition, he developed a significant international reputation. In the mid-nineties, he was involved in a major United Nations program based in Trieste to teach seismic procedures including scientists in developing countries.

Giuliano Panza, Professor at the University of Trieste, noted that the size of the task group, for which Fred was the leader: “included approximately 140 researchers at 40 local centers in 23 different countries.” Professor Panza also goes on to say “I have been very happy to have the possibility to internationally acknowledge Fred as one of my mentors.”

Fred’s goal was to develop tools for the reduction of loss of human life and property damage caused by earthquakes. He leaves behind the basis for the continuation of his work by the researchers who benefited from his teaching. He is missed by those with whom he interacted.

Paul Davis, UCLA, California, USA