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Seismic Network Hardening Against Tropical Systems: A Tale of Two Hurricanes

Description: 

In 2017 Hurricanes Irma and Maria impacted seismic monitoring networks across the Caribbean including the Puerto Rico Seismic Network (PRSN). In the wake of Hurricane Maria only 3 stations continued to provide real-time data to PRSN and due to the destruction of critical communications infrastructure data was not exporting to federal partners, particularly the Tsunami Warning Centers and the National Earthquake Information Center. Tropical systems such as Irma and Maria will happen again in the future, so a collaborative project between the PRSN and the USGS was undertaken to not only restore the network but also harden the network against these future events. In the five years since hurricanes Irma and Maria PRSN has undergone significant changes in its network instrumentation, telemetry, and systems. Changes to the network include but are not limited to the implementation of posthole seismometers, the development of a satellite backbone network, and the implementation of the Advanced National Seismic System Quake Monitoring System (AQMS). In this presentation an overview of these changes and the challenges and lessons learned during implementation will be discussed. The network hardening is already showing benefits as in the network improvements played a critical role in the response to the M6.4 January 6, 2020 earthquake. Additionally in September 2022, the southern and western region of Puerto Rico was hit by Hurricane Fiona. While Fiona was a weaker hurricane than Maria it was a direct hit on Mayaguez where PRSN is located. Critically, data from the PRSN network continued to flow locally as well as to external partners for continuity of operations. While Fiona has provided its own lessons for future operations in tropical systems, the performance of the improved infrastructure demonstrates the benefits of network hardening against tropical systems.

Session: Monitoring Climate Change With Seismology

Type: Oral

Date: 4/18/2023

Presentation Time: 11:00 AM (local time)

Presenting Author: Elizabeth A. Vanacore

Student Presenter: No

Invited Presentation: Yes

Authors