Seismological
Workshop
‘Managing Waveform Data and Related Metadata
for Seismic Networks’
Petaling Jaya Hilton, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
October 21-26, 2007
During
the week of October 21-26, 2007, network operators from 19 Southeast
Asian countries met to exchange ideas and learn how to effectively manage
seismic waveform data and metadata. Primary goals of this workshop were
to increase collaboration, and encourage open exchange and access of
data both regionally and within the international community. This
effort is led by IRIS and it’s partners in the International Federation
of Digital Seismograph Networks (FDSN) since the 1980’s. The
workshop was co-sponsored by the IRIS DMS, The Malaysian Meteorological
Department, JAMSTEC/IFREE, and IASPEI. The workshop was in large part
funded by the National Science Foundation through the IRIS Data Management
System.
This was the third in a series of workshops aimed at disseminating the
experience and expertise in seismological data management to network
operators, both in developed as well as developing countries. The
workshop provides training in the fundamentals of seismic instrumentation,
network operation and data management. Included in the program
are topics such as application of advanced data management systems, education
on the fundamentals of modern seismometry, and a short introduction to
modern methods of analysis possible with current instrumentation, software
tools, and databases. Participants came away with much of
the necessary knowledge to set up and maintain their own data center
and to link their network to the growing global network for data access.
 Logistics for the workshop were arranged by Mari Francissen (IRIS DMS)
and local logistics by Ms. Irene Eu Swee Neo (Malaysian Meteorological
Department).
The focus of this workshop was on networks from Southeast Asian countries. In
order to keep the workshop efficient and effective, only a limited number
of participants were admitted, with limitations on the number of participants
from a single institution. As anticipated, there was broad, worldwide
interest. A selection had to be made from applicants in the preliminary
round of registration. In this selection process, the consideration
was focused on seismic network operators or prospective network operators. In
2008 the IRIS DMS plans to organize a similar workshop, possibly in the
Middle East or Africa.
During the workshop, many details related to operating broadband seismic
sensors were discussed. These included a review of best practices
for sensor hardware and site selection, installation, and communication
options, all focused on how to avoid noisy or unstable configurations.
By showing real-world examples, participants learned to eliminate many
problems early, and therefore improve data quality at the source.
We were very fortunate to have again the participation of a group of
world-class lecturers. Göran Ekström from Columbia University,
Reinoud Sleeman from ORFEUS, Joachim Wasserman from the University of
München, and Erhard Wielandt from Stuttgart University. From
ISTI Sidney Hellman was present. The IRIS DMS was represented by
Tim Ahern, Rick Benson and Mari Francissen.
 Jim Fowler and Bruce Beaudoin from IRIS PASSCAL presented a very informative
and well-received lecture on site selection for broadband instrumentation. The
Program included lectures on the various aspects of seismometry, modern
digitizers, digital filtering, quality control of seismic data, and an
introduction to the Portable Data Collection Center (PDCC), an application
that allows networks to manage their metadata. Erhard Weilandt
gave lectures on seismometry, measurement of noise and seismometer calibration. Reinoud
Sleeman gave lectures on digitizers, quality control of seismic data
and a variety of concepts related to the SEED data format. Joachim
Wasserman’s lectures focused on theoretical digital filter theory
as well as practical computer lab exercises. Göran Ekström
gave lectures on the use of broadband seismic data in the Global Moment
Tensor determination, and noise and quality control of seismic data. In
addition Göran Ekström addressed new scientific discoveries
that are found in continuously recorded seismic data. Rick Benson
and Sid Hellman gave lectures on PDCC and DIG-IT, Quality Control procedures
and a variety of useful utilities for manipulating data. Computer labs
were also an inherent part of the material presented in several portions
of the workshop including the PDCC and DIG-IT portions.
Additionally, attention was given to how information is stored in the
SEED format. Before going to the hands-on computer labs, an overview
was presented to show how to use publicly available software for creating,
verifying, and evaluating data. Every network operator can use
these tools to create and maintain the time-series data. They will
aid in creating a robust and accurate library of true ground motion at
every site.
Another key aspect of the success of the workshop was that time was
allotted for networks from Southeast Asia to give a brief presentation
about their networks. During the workshop we heard presentations
from networks in each country. This helped workshop participants understand
other seismological effort taking place in Southeast Asia.
Of course the workshop participants also had time to enjoy social events
organized by our local hosts at the Malaysian Meteorological Department. The
group held an Official Welcome Dinner on Sunday October 22, 2007 as well
as a Social Event on Wednesday October 25, 2007 at the Kuala Lumpur Tower
in Kuala Lumpur. The camaraderie continued during the buffet-style
banquet. Several of us even ventured to try the durian fruit pudding
and ice cream. With approximately 50 participants and hosts attending,
it was a lively and fun event and the food was excellent.
IRIS extends its thanks to the local organizers at the Malaysian Meteorological
Department and special thanks to Dr. Mohd. Rosaidi bin Che Abas, Dr.
Yap Kok Seng and Ms. Irene Eu Swee Neo for all of their work and effort
that made the workshop a great success.
Workshop participants
More information about the workshop is available at:
http://www.iris.edu/workshops/2007/metadata/
Workshop Presentations
Submitted by Mari Francissen, IRIS DMC |
Petronas
Tower 1 & 2, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
