Remote, wireless, permanent seismic stations: A mountain case

Henry C. Bland, Robert R. Stewart, Zuolin Chen, Malcolm B. Bertram, Jeffrey Blair Thurston, Kevin W. Hall

The surface seismic array on Turtle Mountain comprises a network of six remote, radio-enabled and solar-powered seismic sensors and transmitters. They are distributed in a pattern such that seismic sources originating from likely zones of seismicity within the mountain are to be detected. A robust station design is required in this harsh alpine environment, particularly to prevent buffeting of the equipment by the frequent strong winds. The seismic data recording, transmission, archiving, and retrieval system is validated using a series of controlled-source tests. Capture of a naturally-occurring regional seismic event indicates successful operation of the system.