Techniques of Geophysical Monitoring

Objectives

1. Knowledge of the basics of Seismology.

2. Understand the importance of seismology in the volcanic monitoring and of other geological processes.

3. Understand the seismic mechanisms and seismic sources

4. Understand the operation of seismic equipment

5. Understand the peculiarities of volcanic seismology.

6. Acquire of basic ability to install seismic equipment and to process seismic signals.

Program

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. History and development of volcanic seismology

1.2. The importance of seismology in volcanic forecasting

2. BASIC CONCEPTS OF SEISMOLOGY

2.1. Types of seismic waves

2.2. Stress and strain

2.3. Mechanisms of seismic sources

2.4. Phase identification, source mechanisms, seismic sequences

2. SEISMOLOGY VOLCANIC

2.1. Classification of volcanic earthquakes

2.2. Origin of volcanic earthquakes

3. SEISMIC INSTRUMENTATION

3.1. Seismic Equipment

3.2. Operation and calibration

4. SEISMIC MONITORING NETWORKS

4.1. Selection and distribution of local stations.

4.2. Conventional seismic networks

4.3. Seismic Arrays

5. SEISMIC SIGNAL PROCESSING

5.1. Acquisition and processing of the seismic signal

5.2. Interpretation of seismograms

5.3. Location hypocenters

5.4. Magnitude and energy released

Teaching Methodologies

The course will be taught in a b-learning basis, by combining activities in the classroom, with asynchronous activities supported by a learning platform (Moodle) available at the University of the Azores.

Lectures – Introduction to the themes supported by the presentation of illustrative diagrams of concepts and processes under analysis.

Practical classes – Preparation of seismic equipment for installation and data acquisition, and use of software packages for seismic data analyses.

Field classes: Installation of seismic equipment in the field and signals recording in the scope of ongoing monitoring programs of an active zone.

Bibliography

BOLT, B.A. (2005) – Earthquakes. W:H: Freeman, 320 p.

FOWLER, C. M. R. (2005) - The Solid Earth: An Introduction to Global Geophysics, 2nd Edition, Cambridge University Press, 685 p.

SHEARER. P.M. (2009) - Introduction to Seismology. Cambridge University Press, 396 p.

ZOBIN, V. (2011) - Introduction to Volcanic Seismology (Elsevier Insights). 2nd Edn. Elsevier, 500 p.

WASSERMANN, J. (2012) – Volcano Seismology, IASPEI New manual of seismological observatory practice 2

(NMSOP-2), Second, edited by Peter Bormann. Potsdam : Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum GFZ, Potsdam. pp. 1-77.