The New Colombian Seismological Network

Abstract

The Institute of Geosciences, Mining and Chemical Research of Colombia (INGEOMINAS, the former Colombian Geological Survey) has deployed the National Seismological Network under the auspices of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the National Direction for Prevention and Attention of Disasters (DNPAD), and the Colombian Telecommunications Company (TELECOM). The goal of the system is the acquisition of seismic data originated in a set of strategically located sites in the Colombian territory susceptible to seismic and volcanic activity, and to investigate the origin of processes that cause earthquakes. This information is transmitted from each remote station through satellite link to a Control Center located in Bogota, where the information is processed. The system comprises three major subsystems: Seismic, Satellite Communications and Power. The net covers 15 sites with an expansion capability of up to 24 remote sites. The new seismological network has been oriented toward forecasting and warning capabilities concerning earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, to study the spatial and temporal seismic distribution to identify seismogenic sources, its mechanism and geometry; and to create public awareness about the causes, effects and mitigation of natural hazards. An important part of the project is the accelerograph network with more than 130 instruments distributed in the Colombian territory.