M Quality Data
The DMC has developed procedures to create, on-the-fly, the most continuous
data series possible from the highest quality data available in the DMC
archive. In order to deal with the problems associated with multiple
quality indicators and to differentiate these data from the SEED records
supplied by the network operators, all data that has gone through this
process will be marked as 'M' quality data (M standing for merged).
The
new process for creating 'M' quality data is to join archival 'Q','D',
and 'R' data at the sample level such that a continuous waveform results.
The 'M' quality data will NOT replace the original data in the archive
as we consider it of utmost importance to preserve the original recordings
as delivered. Instead, 'M' quality is generated dynamically and
is the default. We will always give users the option to specifically
request one of the original waveform streams (Q, D, or R) when desired.
Our first rollout of 'M' quality data was for our BREQ_FAST email
request mechanism. When users specify a .QUALITY of 'B' (best), they
will receive an 'M' quality data stream.
Though there may be some software programs that cannot read this data
quality yet, users can rest assured that the most recent release of rdseed
v4.8 and later can recognize and process 'M' quality data. Other software
at the IRIS DMC has also been adapted to 'M' quality.
vol12 no3 | Next
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Submitted by Rick Benson, IRIS DMC
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