The Nevada Seismic Array (NVAR) Regional Seismo-Acoustic Studies

Studies are underway at the Southern Methodist University Geophysics Laboratory to identify seismoacoustic sources located at regional distances from the Nevada Seismic Array (NVAR). The objective of this project is to evaluate the seismo-acoustic method for the identification of mine blasts as well as other type of vented explosions. The studies involve the processing and analysis of regional seismic and seismoacoustic data acquired at NVAR during selected daily intervals for a period of one year. Our assessment of the initial results of the studies show that NVAR is surrounded by regional seismo-acoustic sources. The most active seismo-acoustic source is found near Hawthorne, NV where sequences of signals are generated several times a week. In addition, multiple seismo-acoustic sources are located within the Carlin/Battle Mountains gold mining district in north central NV. Occasional seismo-acoustic signal generated by sources in western Utah and northwestern Arizona were also observed. Additional studies are underway to calibrate NVAR to locate events on the Nevada Test Site.
Proceedings of the Annual DoD/DOE Seismic Research Symposium: Planning for Verification of and Compliance with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) (22nd) held in New Orleans, Louisiana on September 13-15, 2000, U.S. Government or Federal Rights.. The original document contains color images.