The rise of low-power, user-configurable, digital broadband seismometers: Güralp Certimus

Abstract:

Rapid response and ease-of-installation are driving the seismic community towards low power, portable and user-friendly seismometers for deployment in a broad range of scenarios. Operators are increasingly in favour of low-maintenance, low-logistics installations with minimal surface impact without compromising on performance.

The Güralp Certimus is a digital broadband seismometer which goes beyond these goals, utilising recent advancements in ocean bottom, borehole and digitiser technology to deliver a complete seismic station in a compact and lightweight package deployable as a surface or direct burial instrument.

User-configurable long-period corners and sensitivity options allow Certimus to be adapted to the installation environment by individual users before each installation. Certimus uses well-proven digital feedback control to operate at any angle without the use of a fragile gimbal system, thereby dramatically improving tilt tolerance and allowing automated self-correction throughout deployment if the station is affected by unstable ground.

An integrated high-performance digitiser allows simple interaction operated via remote user-friendly web interface. Additionally, Certimus is available with a touchscreen LCD display or full anodised aluminium for surface or burial versions. When buried, the Certimus can be equipped with a small surface storage module in line with the GNSS receiver containing a removable microSD card and allowing interaction with the seismometer via Bluetooth, minimising disturbance of the instrument. Ultra-low power consumption is a direct benefit from incorporating OBS technology, with ability to disable unnecessary features and for temporary deployments without rechargeable power supplies.

The inbuilt flexibility of Certimus benefits instrument pools where the same instruments can be used for different purposes by different operators and simply configured to suit the current installation as well as dedicated networks with permanent installations.