Data-driven performance evaluation of a low-cost seismograph

Abstract

The design and implementation of a performance protocol for local seismicity monitoring, is presented. A low-cost seismograph was installed in an area of high seismic activity in Evgiros, Lefkada Island, Greece, collocated with a high resolution 24-bit digitizer equipped with a broadband seismometer. A testing list of 28 local events with different epicenters and magnitudes has been compiled while acquisition data from the conventional seismograph and the proposed one were analyzed. Stochastic data analysis was used to compare these recordings on the same test site with different logging devices. The obtained results showed a satisfactory outcome in the performance of the proposed low-cost seismograph. Even though noise was present, P and S waves were clearly recorded with distinct amplitudes and therefore this arrival time difference, when compared with the one originating from the conventional seismograph, was found to be insignificant. Moreover, through a known magnitude equation, it manages to calculate earthquake’s local magnitude with a deviation of ± 0.4, a result that can be further improved. Lastly, spectral content analysis revealed almost identical waveforms with equivalent relative frequency distributions between the devices being compared.