Instrumentation for the Deployment of a Permanent Ocean floor Broadband Seismic System in Monterey Bay, in Coopertion with MBARI

University Of California-Berkeley, Berkeley CA

Investigators

Abstract

9911392 Romanowicz Investigators at Univ. California-Berkley will collaborate with scientists at Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) to install a long-term three-component broadband seismometer system on the seafloor in Monterey Bay between 700-1200m below the sea surface. MBARI will provide data-logger, lithium batteries, ship and ROV time and will build the seismometer housing. NSF support will provide an ocean bottom seismic package including 3 component broadband seismometers, 24-bit A/D converter, and automatic gimbaled centering and leveling system. Funding is also provided for software modification/development to interface the seismometer package with the recording system. MBARI will provide engineering time and UC Berkeley will provide expertise in broadband seismology, data acquisition, telemetry, processing and archival. The new installation will complement the land-based network of broadband seismic stations and will provide 1) better azimuthal coverage and thereby improve the characterization of moderate to large earthquakes occurring in northern California along the San Andreas system, and 2) improved knowledge of the deep structure of this plate boundary. Experience in long term deployment of broadband systems will be gained in the context of plans for the development of long term global seismic sea floor observatories.