Small Local Earthquake Detection Using Low-Cost MEMS Accelerometers: Examples in Northern and Central Italy

Abstract

This study evaluates the seismicity detection efficiency of a new low-cost triaxial accelerometer prototype based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. Networks of MEMS sensors were installed in telecommunication infrastructures to build two small arrays in northern and central Italy. The sensor prototypes recorded major earthquakes as well as nine small seismic events with 2.0<ML<3.0. Where possible, MEMS were compared to the closest high-quality seismic stations belonging to the national accelerometric network. The comparison, in terms of peak ground accelerations and spectral responses, confirms that the signals are in good agreement. The tested inexpensive MEMS sensors were able to detect small local events with epicentral distances as large as 50 km and provided an efficient characterization of the main motion parameters. This confirms that the proposed accelerometer prototypes are promising tools to integrate into traditional networks for local seismicity monitoring.