Set up Python repository with conda environment for ESS563 Advanced Seismology

[Copilot]

This PR transforms the minimal ESS563-2025 repository into a complete Python development environment for the Advanced Seismology course. The setup provides students with all necessary scientific computing packages for seismological analysis.

What's Added

Environment Management

• environment.yml: Conda environment specification that installs Python 3.11 and all required packages via pip
• requirements.txt: Alternative pip-only installation for users who prefer not to use conda

Python Package Structure

• ess563/: Main package directory with proper __init__.py for imports
• setup.py: Makes the repository an installable Python package with proper metadata

Testing and Verification

• examples/test_environment.py: Comprehensive test script that verifies all packages are installed and functional
• Tests import capabilities and basic functionality of each required package
• Provides clear success/failure feedback for environment validation

Development Configuration

• .gitignore: Python-specific gitignore with additional exclusions for seismological data formats (.sac, .mseed, .hdf5, etc.)
• Excludes build artifacts, cache files, and common data file types

Documentation

• Updated README.md: Complete installation guide with:
  • Step-by-step conda environment setup
  • Alternative pip installation instructions
  • Usage examples and package descriptions
  • Directory structure overview

Key Packages Included

All packages are installed via pip within the conda environment:

• obspy: Seismological data processing and analysis
• matplotlib: Plotting and visualization
• scipy: Scientific computing algorithms
• numpy: Numerical array operations
• pandas: Data manipulation and analysis
• h5py: HDF5 file format support

Usage

Students can now set up their environment with a single command:

conda env create -f environment.yml
conda activate ess563
python examples/test_environment.py  # Verify installation

The environment has been tested and verified - all packages install correctly and function as expected for seismological analysis workflows.

Original prompt

create a simple python repository, with a conda environment that mostly calls pip installation of obspy, matplotlib, scipy, numpy, pandas, h5py.

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