Monitoring Earthquake Activity in Arizona & Southwestern U.S. 

Monitoring earthquake activity is the first critical step in an earthquake hazard mitigation program.  In 2009, the Arizona Geological Survey formed the Arizona Integrated Seismic Network (AISN) to establish a statewide earthquake monitoring network.

The dynamic map (left) hosts eight broadband seismometers of AISN.  Select a node and a seismogram – a digital recording of the past 24 hours of seismic activity (ground motion) – pops up, courtesy of the Rapid Earthquake Viewer. 

To view the seismicity of a specific day, use the Change date function at the lower left of the REV window.  For example, to view the seismic expression of the recent 7.2 magnitude Cucupa earthquake west of Mexicali, Mexico, select 4 April 2010 as your date.

Broadband Seismometers.  The AISN broadband seismometers are capable of recording ground motion from local, regional and global earthquakes.   A broadband network, “, provides greatly improved earthquake monitoring of Arizona tremors with better detection and location of events…” says Dr. Dave Brumbaugh (Director of Northern Arizona University’s Arizona Earthquake Information Center). 

Each broadband seismometer -- see the transportable array illustration to the left --  is accompanied by a solar power system, GPS receiver and a transmitter for telemetering the data stream to a home site or satellite (source: IRIS).

Evaluating Earthquake Risk.  “Once gathered, it (seismic data) will be a valuable source of information used in updating the State's earthquake risk assessment”, said Darlene Trammell ADEM State Hazard Mitigation Officer.

AISN Research Team. We are a diverse team of investigators with expertise ranging from geophysics and seismology, to hazard and risk assessment, to science outreach.  Our team includes:

• R. Arrowsmith, PhD (Arizona State University School of Earth and Space Exploration)
  Susan Beck, PhD (University of Arizona, Dept. of Geosciences)
• David Brumbaugh, PhD (Northern Arizona University, Dept. of Geology & Arizona Earthquake Information Center)
• Jeri Young (Arizona Geological Survey, Phoenix Branch)
• Matt Fouch, PhD (Arizona State University School of Earth and Space Exploration)
• Phil Pearthree (Arizona Geological Survey, Tucson)
• George Zandt, PhD (University of Arizona, Dept. of Geosciences)

AZGS Adopt-a-Seismometer Program. Maintaining broadband stations is expensive; it costs nearly $10,000 per station per year. To extend the life of this research beyond the three-year span of initial operation, the Arizona Geological Survey encourages sponsors from industry, organizations, communities, and individuals to provide financial support.  

 Interested in becoming an AISN sponsor? Contact Michael Conway (AZGS Geologic Extension Service) at 520.209.4146 or Michael.conway at azgs.az.gov

Acknowledgments:

Funds for purchasing and initially maintaining eight broadband seismometers provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Rapid Earthquake Viewer is a product of the University of South Carolina, Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) and the Digital Library of Earth System Education.  IRIS provided the broadband seismometer schematic.