U of M Will Preview "Earth Shaking" Research Oct. 29
For release: Oct. 21, 2002
For press information, contact Gabrielle Maxey

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI) at The University of Memphis will shake things up as they preview the latest in near-real-time earthquake monitoring Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 1 p.m. The demonstration is part of a ribbon-cutting ceremony at CERI, 3892 Central Ave., marking completion of 10 seismic stations in the Memphis area that are part of the Advanced National Seismic System. The ANSS is the first line of defense in the war on earthquake hazards.

Invited speakers include Sen. Bill Frist, University President Shirley Raines and Dr. John Filson, earthquake hazards program coordinator for the USGS.

In the experiment, seismometers will record underground explosions that were detonated the previous night in rural eastern Arkansas as part of the cooperative research between the USGS and CERI. The data will show scientists how the artificially-generated waves move through the extremely deep sand and clay layers that blanket the Mississippi Valley.

ANSS is a national initiative to expand and connect seismic networks. New stations are being installed in Memphis and other vulnerable urban areas to provide real-time information on how the ground responds during a strong earthquake. Data from these stations will give emergency response personnel real-time maps within minutes of severe ground shaking and provide engineers with information about building and site response.

In addition to the Memphis stations, 30 ANSS monitoring instruments have been installed across Mid-America. More than 175 instruments have been placed in other seismically active urban areas, including San Francisco, Seattle, Salt Lake City and Anchorage.

For more information, contact Christine Powell of CERI at 901-678-2007 or Carolyn Bell of the USGS at 703-648-4463.

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