Host a Station for Earthquake Early Warning
About Earthquake Early Warning Stations
Today, the technology exists for sensors to detect earthquakes so quickly that an alert can be sent out and reach people before strong shaking arrives. The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network at the University of Washington and University of Oregon, the USGS and its partners operating California's seismic network are developing and implementing the ShakeAlert earthquake early warning (EEW) system to identify and characterize an earthquake within few seconds after it begins. We quickly calculate the expected intensity of ground shaking, and can send warnings to people and infrastructure in harm’s way.
To reliably distribute warnings for all parts of the region with high earthquake hazard, it is important to have a robustly operating, dense network of seismic stations capable of providing data that can be used in ShakeAlert. We are looking for locations where we can install new earthquake monitoring stations. In addition to contributing to ShakeAlert, the new stations will also support the mission of the PNSN, to operate a reliable, modern, system for producing earthquake information for the benefit of public safety, emergency response, and loss mitigation.
Hosting a Station
We are looking for individuals and businesses that can act as hosts for our stations in the circled areas of the adjacent map.
We have two different types of stations that can be installed: Rural and Urban. The type of station depends on how remote an area is, the local geography, and how far away the next closest station is located. Both types of installations require a broadband internet connection nearby that we can connect to. Urban sites are wired directly to power and an internet connection. The rural stations can be any distance from the internet connection as long as there is clear line-of-sight between the station and internet connection. Some trees in the path may still be okay.
The PNSN works with hosts to find suitable locations on their property that work for both parties. There is no cost to host a station, nor any liability for any of the equipment. Both rural and urban stations use less electricity than a lightbulb, and less network bandwith than a 56K dialup modem. The stations do not require any regular service visits. If PNSN personnel need to visit a site, permission from the host is obtained ahead of time. Read more below to find out about the two different types of installations.
If you are interested in hosting a seismic station that will contribute to ShakeAlert fill out the form below, or for more information, contact pnsn@uw.edu or call 206-685-8180.
View more information about hosting a station here.
Sites Available for Hosting
Click on a circle to request information about hosting a site in that area.
Urban / Strong Motion Stations
Our "strong motion" stations detect large earthquakes and are not as sensitive to local noise. These stations are typically located in schools, fire stations, and other buildings with reliable electricity and internet access. They can be installed indoors on a ground-level concrete floor, or outdoors on a small concrete pad that we would pour. The equipment consists of a locked metal box, approximately 20" x 20" x 20", that contains the sensor, electronics, and backup battery. A small GPS antenna is also installed either on the box or on a nearby wall.
Below are photos of some of the PNSN's installed ShakeAlert stations
Rural / High Sensitivity Stations
Our high sensitivity "broadband" stations can detect earthquakes from all around the world. In order to be able to detect the faint vibrations from distant earthquakes, these stations need to be located away from human activity such as cars, roads, machinery, railroads, pumps, industrial activities, etc. These stations are usually located in open fields and animal pastures, preferably at least 200-300 yards from the nearest road. The equipment consists of a box containing batteries and electronics, with solar panels above, and the sensor buried in the ground about 20 feet away. The sensor is roughly the size of a 1L water bottle and is buried at a depth of 5-10 feet. These sites can also be powered by standard AC power if a 120V outlet is available nearby, which eliminates the need for the solar panels. The stations are very rugged and can be fenced off for livestock as needed.
Below are photos of some of the PNSN's installed ShakeAlert stations
AC-powered Rural / High Sensitivity Stations
In locations where AC power is available nearby, solar panels are not needed. The station electronics are contained in two secure metal boxes (background) and the sensor is buried about 20 feet away under a sturdy cover (foreground). The metal boxes are connected to a regular electrical outlet through buried conduit.
