Evolving infrasound measurement and growing infrasound monitoring network

Abstract

Infrasound carries information useful for detecting a strong natural phenomenon such as volcanic eruption and tsunami, which may cause catastrophic disaster. Therefore, infrasound measurement is gathering attention for potential applications in disaster prevention and life protection. However, the methodology of its measurement has not been well established except a few specific applications such as Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO). Some sensor devices employ Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) sensors, which are, in general, small and available at a low price. This advantage enables us to increase the number of locations where infrasound can be monitored at multiple observation points. Another attempt is to assemble multiple sensors of different characters for widening dynamic range and frequency coverage of the sensor. These progress in infrasound measurement would make it possible to utilize infrasound in various purposes. In this respect, infrasound measurement needs to be standardized because one may want to analyze infrasound data together with those acquired using different devices by other organizations. At the same time, a platform for sharing infrasound data is becoming important to accelerate such usage. This paper overviews recent development of sensor devices for infrasound measurement and sensor deployment on going in Japan.