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The Alaska Transportable Array: Technical Advances Among Challenges

Session: Network Seismology: Keeping the Network Running While Integrating New Technologies I

Type: Oral

Date: 4/22/2021

Presentation Time: 10:15 AM Pacific

Description: 

The Alaska Transportable Array (ATA) was installed from 2014-2017 and comprises 194 new stations and 87 existing stations currently operating through 2021. This dense, evenly spaced array of high quality broadband seismometers deployed throughout the region of Alaska and Northwestern Canada is the final phase of the NSF supported EarthScope project. During 2019 and 2020, nearly 100 stations were transferred and are now operated by the UA Fairbanks Alaska Earthquake Center (network code AK) and the Alaska Volcano Observatory (network code AV) with support from USGS and NSF. The intent was to remove the remaining 84 stations in the summer 2020 field season and close out the project. It was quickly recognized that COVID-19 and travel restrictions rendered these plans impossible. NSF agreed to support ongoing data collection and operations, postponing removals until summer 2021.

Despite varied challenges over the years, ATA developed new methods and utilized new technologies to operate the network safely and effectively. We describe mitigation efforts undertaken during restricted field activity in 2020 to limit contact with remote villages. Data communication from stations to the Array Network Facility (ANF) at UC San Diego utilized VSAT or InMarSat BGAN satellite communications in addition to common techniques like cell modems. Dedicated VPN tunnels from vendor gateways direct to ANF kept connections secure, though it did introduce some complexity with transfers to a new operator. We describe how meteorological data is routed alongside seismic data using the same connection, and the final bridge from the IRIS DMC into NOAA data assimilation ensures easy access by both seismologists and non-seismologists (e.g. www.windy.com). Finally, we highlight State of Health monitoring paired with a low-cost satellite connection allowing status of the datalogger, station power, and simple commands several times a day. Technologies and methods presented here have potential for wider use in permanent networks, especially those with high logistical costs for servicing stations.

Presenting Author: Robert W. Busby

Student Presenter: No

Authors