UK earthquake monitoring 2006/2007 : BGS Seismic Monitoring and Information Service : 18th annual report

The British Geological Survey (BGS) operates a network of seismometers throughout the UK to reliably detect seismic events on a long-term basis. The aims of the Seismic Monitoring and Information Service are to develop and maintain a national database of seismic activity in the UK for use in seismic hazard assessment, and to provide near-immediate responses to the occurrence, or reported occurrence, of significant events. The project is supported by a group of organisations under the chairmanship of the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) with major financial input from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). In the 18th year of the project five new broadband seismograph stations were established, giving a total of fourteen broadband stations. Real-time data from all broadband stations are transferred directly to Edinburgh for archival and storage. Near real-time data from broadband stations operated by a number of partner agencies in northern Europe are also incorporated into our automatic data processing systems to improve detection and location capability in offshore areas, particularly the North Sea. Upgrade of the monitoring network remains our primary goal. We have purchased a further eighteen broadband sensors and high dynamic range digitisers.