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  • 2005 Geophysical Symposium Thursday, June 9th, Southeastern Geophysical Society, New Orleans
  • GCAGS 2003 Baton Rouge

A Proposed Seismic Network for Louisiana Public High Schools:

SeisMEAUXgraph JUAN LORENZO, Dept. Geology and Geophysics, Louisiana State University,  Baton Rouge 70803-4101 e-mail: juan@geol.lsu.edu

The Department of Geology and Geophysics at Louisina State University (LSU) has built a prototype, low-cost (<$1,000), single-channel, seismograph. About 20 such recording units with earthquake sensors can be deployed state-wide within public high schools. Students and science teachers would conduct a large-scale scientific experiment to record natural and induced ground shaking to understand the formation, structure and evolution of the Gulf Coast continental lithosphere.
Our recorder comprises a personal computer (120-MHz) that controls a 24-bit, 100 samples/second, analog-to-digital digitizing board(www.lawsonlabs.com) via a TCP/IP connection. A 1 pulse/per secon timing signal (10-25 ms accurate) is fedfrom an Global Positioning System unit (Motorola Oncore UT) adapted from the Redwood City Public Seismic Network (L.Cochrane ,psn.quake.net  ). Data text-files are sent via the internet(www.deerfield.com) to LSU for Webcasting. Vertical ground motion is detected by L-4C 1-Hz seismometers from Mark products.
In 'active mode', the network will record arrivals from Gulf Coast onland and offshore commercial seismic experiments. Industry links will provideshot location and times. In 'passive mode', the network can help predictwave oscillations (seiches) in inland water bodies, induced by large global earthquakes.Members of state colleges, universities and private industry will link with science teachers and students while conducting experiment , data analysis workshops, and presentations of results at professional scientific meetings. Other public benefits include immediate dissemination of relevant science and technology, early seiche detection and post-seiche analysis of insurance claims. Responses to this proposal from federal, state, and industry are being sought.