50 years of global seismology: USGS Albuquerque Seismological
Lab
GSNANSS The WWSSN
100+ analog station network 1962-1996 Provided data for monitoring nuclear
tests and seismological research Contributed to fundamental
observations to plate tectonics
GSNANSS GSN
GSNANSS
Iceland
KNTN - Kanton Island
KOWA - Mali
SAML - Brazil
QSPA - South Pole
Station examples
ENH - China
GSNANSS Then and now
Shallow seismic vaults
GSNANSS Then and now
System assembly
GSNANSS Then and now
Repair and testing
GSNANSS Then and now
Instrument shop
GSNANSS Then and now
Instrument testing
GSNANSS Then and now
Data Quality Control
GSNANSS Instrumentation Wish List
• Low power Locations are often very remote
• Light weight Carrying heavy equipment long distances makes field
engineers grumpy
• Modular Useful to be able to send individual components
• Remote diagnostics Improved tools for troubleshooting sensors & data acquisition
units
• And …. inexpensive (Budgets are tight!)
GSNANSS Instrumentation Wish List
Observational capabilities - sensors• GSN requires very broadband, low noise
sensor 360 s to 50 Hz Below GSN low-noise model 0.0005 to 10 Hz
• Currently use two sensors to cover the band of interest Increases expense … but provides a backup
• Some options for vault sensors on the horizon• Need improved borehole sensor performance
GSNANSS Exciting developments
Metrozet surface
vault sensor
Quanterra STS-2.5 deployed
in a borehole
UCSD iSeis
GSNANSS Instrumentation Wish List
Observational capabilities – dataloggers• Option for 9- and 12- channel
systems • Wider range of calibration
frequencies• Robust telemetry support
Including TCP/IP Developments with Linux boxes
are interesting … but may create IT security issues
4 Q330s at QSPA
GSNANSS Instrumentation Pet Peeves
Cables and connectors• Reduce leakage
Need better sealed connectors
• Improve reliability Recent experience with a spate of bad cables (manufacturer-made)
• Increase flexibility Many cables are extremely stiff
• Thoughtful connector location Some locations are better for borehole/post
installation; others for surface sensor
GSNANSS Instrumentation Pet Peeves
Sensor orientation/leveling• Ease of orientation
Many different approaches: rods, feet, alignment pins
– Success depends on application
Some are easier than others – standardization desirable
Add a North-finding capability (export allowable)?
• Manufacturers need to specify accuracy:– Of axis orientation with respect to marks on the case– Of vertical orientation when the leveling bubble is
centered
GSNANSS Instrumentation Pet Peeves
Accuracy of sensitivity & transfer function• Manufacturers should specify accuracy
We have found problems with a number of sensors!
Retrievable parameters • Manufacturer name, model number, serial
number, and factory calibration parameters sufficient to reconstruct the sensitivity and transfer function of that particular sensor and/or data acquisition unit