In response to the August 4th Magnitude 5.3 earthquake that occurred along the Nootka fault, our research group has begun planning the deployment of up to 9 seismometer stations in the Nootka Island - Tahsis - Zeballos area. The optimal locations can be seen on the map below as numbered purple squares:
The blue squares are representative of the ocean-bottom seismometers that will be deployed as part of the second phase of SeaJade in late November, 2013. Red triangles are permanent earthquake stations. The red dots are the locations of earthquakes, which were located using data from the first phase of SeaJade, which concluded in 2010. The second phase is slated to last for approximately 1 year, while the first phase lasted only three months.
After we have made contacts in the areas relevant to the land stations, we will begin the process of scouting out appropriate sites for our seismometers. The instruments are very sensitive to ground vibrations (as they should be!), so they must be placed in locations that are quiet and isolated. Wind, waves, traffic, and even trees can create background noise which can poorly effect the quality of the data we receive. Additionally, sites with AC access or are open enough to allow for charging by a solar panel are essential for keeping the seismometers active without having to constantly change their batteries. The stations take up very little space, approximately 1 square meter, and they are completely passive; they just record ground vibrations.
We hope to begin our reconnaissance during the end of August. We will also continue to update this blog with further information as it becomes available.
