ART-SEIS

Automated Real-Time Broad Band Seismology in the Azores-Gibraltar region

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Earthquakes cause great damage to societies at all levels. Recognizing that geophysical observations are essential for the mitigation of natural disasters the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) recently created the National Geophysics Network (RNG) – a geophysical monitoring network managed by a consortium of academic and non-academic national institutions. Project ART-SEIS aims at contributing to the mitigation of seismic risk in the Portuguese territory, taking advantage of the new research infrastructures of the RNG. We propose to develop an effective and sustainable seismic monitoring system that allows for the generation of near-real-time earthquake-information after an earthquake, and rapid response in case of disaster. In order to accomplish this overall goal, we have defined four specific objectives: 1) To develop a seismic system that will allow rapid response to earthquake disasters in Portugal by rapidly computing the earthquake location, magnitude, style of faulting and maps of ground shaking (shakemaps); 2) To implement a set of algorithms for high-quality estimate of earthquake parameters (hypocenter, magnitude and moment tensor) taking into account the specific geographic situation of Portugal; 3) To investigate and implement procedures that reduce the operational costs of the seismic networks using the available technologies (cheap and effective data transmission, automation of routines, etc) in order to render its operation sustainable in time; and 4) To advocate and promote the implementation of the solutions identified and developed in the project by the national authorities, in the scope of the recently created RNG. We propose to set-up this seismic system using state-of the-art software and techniques (e.g., use of SeisComP3 software, VSAT telemetry, sparse-network techniques, non-linear location algorithms) and in close interaction with ongoing EU projects that address related issues (e.g., NERIES, SAFER).'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Portugal is earthquake-prone, but unprepared for major events. A European project-developed tool estimates an earthquake's area and extent of damage, enabling an accurately targeted response from the Portuguese authority.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Earthquakes can be very damaging, especially to countries regularly prone to them. Portugal is one such country; in 1755 it experienced Europe's largest historical earthquake, and since then has suffered a series of smaller earthquakes.

In spite of the known dangers of earthquakes and tsunamis, Portugal remains largely unprepared. Helping to redress the situation was the EU-funded project 'Automated real-time broad band seismology in the Azores-Gibraltar region' (ART-SEIS). The two-member research group conducted its activities over four years to January 2013. The main goal was to develop a tool for monitoring seismic data that would compute location and magnitude, plus the nature and extent of the shaking. The tool was intended to enable rapid response by Portuguese authorities.

The project developed and tested innovative algorithms for improved computation of earthquake parameters. The method was retrospectively applied to all Portuguese earthquakes since the broadband monitoring network was installed in 2007, resulting in several significant scientific publications. The study also developed a novel mapping function, which accurately predicts ground motion and local effects for south-west Iberia.

An additional goal was to develop procedures for reducing the cost of seismic networks, which was achieved. The solution uses automated analysis to screen large quantities of data.

ART-SEIS also aimed to promote its solutions for adoption by the Portuguese national authority. It exceeded the expectation by actively aiding implementation and by providing training to the authority. Another project outcome was the creation of an independent working group focused on the subject.

As a result of ART-SEIS, Portugal's seismic situation is better understood, yielding the ability to accurately estimate the effects of a given earthquake. Doing so allows rapid and targeted national responses.