A network of multi-sensor stations for continuous monitoring of ground motion and deformation

Recent technical developments in seismic instrumentation have made the recording of ground motion possible with higher fidelity-extending both the frequency band and dynamic range-and with progressively smaller space and time gaps. This is achieved by dense networks, continuous recording and real-time data acquisition. The trend is towards the emplacement of networks of multi-sensor stations (MSSs) to record ground motion in the whole frequency domain. A new digital telemetered network of such MSS stations in Italy is being planned by the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica (ING). It will include strong-motion accelerographs, broadband seismographs and geodetic GPS receivers. An MSS network offers several advantages as compared with the separate installation of different types of instrumentation. It is more cost effective, allowing the sharing of expenses related to sites and telemetry. It will allow more comprehensive collection of data, by giving each sensor the possibility of triggering acquisition from the entire set after detection of an event. It will encourage co-operation among earth scientists. Through its real-time-oriented design, it will constitute an important device for the rapid quantification of earthquakes and, possibly, detection of earthquake precursors. © 1994.