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.