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The Arizona Earthquake Information Center (AEIC) and the Arizona Integrated Seismic Network (AISN)

The Arizona Earthquake Information Center (AEIC) was founded in 1985 by the State of Arizona at Northern Arizona University (NAU). At the same time the core of the small Northern Arizona Seismic Network (NASN) was established with three stations. During 2006-2009 the Transportable Array (TA) covered the state with nearly 60 stations until the array moved eastward. A cooperative grant between the Arizona Geological Survey (AZGS) and NAU succeeded in acquiring a number of the TA stations which became the Arizona Broadband Network (ABN). Since then the two networks (ABN, NASN) have cooperated as the Arizona Integrated Seismic Network (AISN) operated by the AZGS and NAU. The charge of the AEIC since its founding has been to monitor, archive and do research upon Arizona earthquakes. Progress in meeting these goals has been slow due to lack of funding. Currently support is provided by the AZGS and NAU.

Since adoption of 7 TA legacy stations in 2009 and 2 more in 2017, the AZGS has improved network spatial coverage with 6 more stations. Now at 15 broadband stations, the AZGS has improved the statewide-detection threshold to Mw 3.0. Significant effort is spent yearly to maintain the original TA stations and maintain data flow.

All AISN data from the two networks is forwarded to the IRIS/DMC in Seattle where it can be obtained by the general public. AISN data can also be obtained from the seismic websites operated by the AZGS and the AEIC which contains a complete catalogue of present and historic seismicity within the statte of Arizona. Due to the low level of earthquake activity in Arizona compared to the neighboring states of Utah, Nevada and California financial support through grants has been difficult to obtain. The NAU foundation in 2019 established an endowed fund called the Arizona Fund for Earthquake Research (AFER) whose function is to support earthquake research grants and to provide financial assistance for the operations of the AEIC. This will help fulfill the need for greater financial support for the AEIC and for workers engaged in Arizona seismology research.

Presenting Author: David S. Brumbaugh

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