Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/Z503757/1
LeNS UK: Large N Seismology for the UK science community
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Professor N Rawlinson, University of Cambridge, Earth Sciences
- Co-Investigator:
- Dr MT Ireland, Newcastle University, Sch of Natural & Environmental Sciences
- Co-Investigator:
- Dr J H Johnson, University of East Anglia, Environmental Sciences
- Co-Investigator:
- Dr K Lythgoe, University of Edinburgh, Sch of Geosciences
- Co-Investigator:
- Dr T Kettlety, University of Oxford, Earth Sciences
- Co-Investigator:
- Dr J Hammond, Birkbeck College, Earth and Planetary Sciences
- Co-Investigator:
- Dr AM Brisbourne, NERC British Antarctic Survey, Science Programmes
- Co-Investigator:
- Dr P Koelemeijer, University of Oxford, Earth Sciences
- Grant held at:
- University of Cambridge, Earth Sciences
- Science Area:
- None
- Overall Classification:
- Unknown
- ENRIs:
- None
- Science Topics:
- None
- Abstract:
- Traditional array seismology, where networks of 10s of broadband seismometers are deployed to record earthquakes and ambient noise, has long been a strength of UK geophysics. It has played a major role in constraining the structure and processes that define our planet from the crust through to the core. However, over the last decade, a new low-power, compact, self-contained and cheap seismometer - the seismic node - has heralded a step-change in capability. Nodes can be deployed in their thousands, in so-called large-N arrays, to record the seismic wavefield at unprecedented resolution. However, to date they are simply not available to the UK science community, except via potentially expensive ad hoc loans. The new technology can facilitate many projects, traditional and new, closely aligned with NERC's remit. This includes monitoring and imaging of geothermal systems and carbon capture and storage sites; detailed investigation and hazard assessment of landslides, earthquakes and volcanoes; and measurement of ice sheet flow and deformation in the context of climate change. The equipment will be based at the University of Cambridge, which has dedicated technical staff, laboratory and storage space for broadband seismometers, thus allowing nodes to be provided at no cost to the UK community. The operation of the pool will be the responsibility of the Management Committee, which will be made up of the project partners, the project lead and all seven co-leads who have proposed projects across the NERC remit. These experiments include environmental and urban seismology, cryosphere studies, energy transition research, and earthquake and volcano monitoring. The project is timely, given the rapid uptake of large-N seismology around the world, and the complete absence of a node pool that is open to the UK community. Once the project is completed, the nodes will become part of NERC's GEF facility, which has a robust and proven system in place to ensure access by a wide range of users. While expanding scientific capability within NERC's remit, the seismic node pool will also enhance sustainability across the UK seismology community. Compared to traditional broadband seismology, nodes are extremely compact, deployable by foot or low power transport in significant numbers (10s to even 100s), and require virtually no consumables in the field. They have a lifetime in excess of 10 years and their parts are subject to recycling and reuse. As a result, large experiments can have a minimal environmental impact. Furthermore, their low cost and ease of use ensures equitable access, with cutting-edge experiments possible with limited funds. This is further enhanced by the minimal technical expertise needed to operate them, and the delivery of the complete archived dataset once the nodes are returned to base. In summary, this community driven proposal to provide access to a pool of seismic nodes will allow the UK geophysics community to maintain its place at the forefront of passive seismology. It provides a more sustainable option compared to current equipment, with ease of use and low cost allowing new users to take advantage of seismic data. The link to NERC GEF ensures that the equipment will be used well beyond the duration of this grant. Most importantly, it will both enhance traditional strengths of UK geophysics (tectonics, volcanology, earthquakes) and allow seismology to contribute to other areas across the NERC remit (cryosphere, environmental science, energy and resources).
- NERC Reference:
- NE/Z503757/1
- Grant Stage:
- Awaiting Event/Action
- Scheme:
- Research Grants
- Grant Status:
- Active
- Programme:
- Capital Call
This grant award has a total value of £647,331
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Exception - Equipment |
|---|
| £647,332 |
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