Nevada Seismological Laboratory Rapid Seismic Monitoring Deployment and Data Availability for the 2020 Mww 6.5 Monte Cristo Range, Nevada, Earthquake Sequence

Abstract

Abstract The Nevada Seismological Laboratory (NSL) at the University of Nevada, Reno, installed eight temporary seismic stations following the 15 May 2020 Mww 6.5 Monte Cristo Range earthquake. The mainshock and resulting aftershock sequence occurred in an unpopulated and sparsely instrumented region of the Mina deflection in the central Walker Lane, approximately 55 km west of Tonopah, Nevada. The temporary stations supplement NSL’s permanent seismic network, providing azimuthal coverage and near-field recording of the aftershock sequence beginning 1–3 days after the mainshock. We expect the deployment to remain in the field until May 2021. NSL initially attempted to acquire the Monte Cristo Range deployment data in real time via cellular telemetry; however, unreliable cellular coverage forced NSL to convert to microwave telemetry within the first week of the sequence to achieve continuous real-time acquisition. Through 31 August 2020, the temporary deployment has captured near-field records of three aftershocks ML≥5 and 25 ML 4–4.9 events. Here, we present details regarding the Monte Cristo Range deployment, instrumentation, and waveform availability. We combine this information with waveform availability and data access details from NSL’s permanent seismic network and partner regional seismic networks to create a comprehensive summary of Monte Cristo Range sequence data. NSL’s Monte Cristo Range temporary and permanent station waveform data are available in near-real time via the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology Data Management Center. Derived earthquake products, including NSL’s earthquake catalog and phase picks, are available via the Advanced National Seismic System Comprehensive Earthquake Catalog. The temporary deployment improved catalog completeness and location quality for the Monte Cristo Range sequence. We expect these data to be useful for continued study of the Monte Cristo Range sequence and constraining crustal and seismogenic properties of the Mina deflection and central Walker Lane.