← Back to Sessions

Seismo-Acoustic Signals From an Accidental Chemical Explosion in South Korea

Description: 

Seismo-acoustic analysis can be used to identify, detect, and locate sources that generate waves in the atmosphere and solid Earth and provide a basis for the characterization of distant phenomena, particularly explosions. On March 4, 2020, an accidental explosion occurred at a chemical plant in the southwestern city of Seosan in South Korea. The explosion generated both seismic and infrasound signals, recorded by various sensors to distances as great as 300 km across the Korean Peninsula. Data included signals at six seismo-acoustic arrays operated cooperatively by Southern Methodist University and Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM). Additional data from KSRS seismic array data from the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization and all available dense seismic network data were utilized. Nine infrasound sensors co-located at KSRS seismic arrays, three temporary infrasound arrays, and four infrasound stations operated by KIGAM were also included in the analysis. Seismic, infrasound, and air-to-ground coupled acoustic arrivals from the explosion are identified for this event based on array processing and analyst review. A small number of secondary detections were identified that are consistent with the source location and may be indicative of infrasound generated by the fire that followed the explosion by a few minutes. Network back-projection using both seismic and infrasound waveforms is consistent with the ground truth location of the explosion. Observed infrasound arrival times are well matched by ray tracing predictions using the Ground-to-Space atmospheric specification, with tropospheric arrivals at the multiple arrays to the east of the source and no arrivals at the array to the west. Lastly, the infrasound amplitudes from the explosion are used to estimate the source energy. The hybrid utilization of seismic and infrasound observations in the analysis enhances the confidence of source characterization for explosion monitoring.

Session: Advancements in Forensic Seismology and Explosion Monitoring - III

Type: Oral

Date: 5/2/2024

Presentation Time: 02:30 PM (local time)

Presenting Author: Junghyun

Student Presenter: No

Invited Presentation: 

Authors