Abstract
Abstract. The absolute orientation of the horizontal components of ocean bottom or downhole seismic sensors are generally unknown. Almost all the methods proposed to overcome this issue are based on the post-processing of the acquired signals and so the results are strongly dependent on the nature, quantity and quality of the acquired data. We have carried out several test to evaluate the ability of retrieve sensor orientation using integrated low cost MEMS gyroscope. Our tests have shown that the tested MEMS gyroscope (the model 1044_0–3/3/3 Phidget Spatial Precision High Resolution) can be used to measure angular displacement and therefore to retrieve the absolute orientation of the horizontal components of a sensor that has been subjected to rotation in the horizontal plane. A correct processing of the acquired signals permit to retrieve, for rotation at angular rate between 0 and 180° s−1, angular displacement with error less 2°.
Highlights
Ocean Bottom Seismometers (OBS) are fundamental tools for the monitoring and study of seismogenetic offshore areas (D’Alessandro et al, 2009, 2012a, 2013a, 2014a; D’Alessandro, 2014a)
In this work we propose an alternative method for the estimation of the absolute orientation of horizontal components of a sensor, based on the use of MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems) gyroscope
The magnitude detection threshold and location performance of a seismic network are mainly related to the noise level and geometry of the stations that make up the network (D’Alessandro et al, 2011a, b, 2012b, 2013b, c, d; D’Alessandro and Stickney, 2012; D’Alessandro and Ruppert, 2012; D’Alessandro and D’Anna, 2013)
Summary
Ocean Bottom Seismometers (OBS) are fundamental tools for the monitoring and study of seismogenetic offshore areas (D’Alessandro et al, 2009, 2012a, 2013a, 2014a; D’Alessandro, 2014a). As well known, all the seismic sensors currently used in earthquakes monitoring produces moderate to strong electromagnetic fields, which make the data recorded by an electronic compass, placed in their proximity, unusable for the described purpose For this reason, in this work we propose an alternative method for the estimation of the absolute orientation of horizontal components of a sensor, based on the use of MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems) gyroscope. After describing in detail the technical characteristics of the MEMS gyroscope, we will describe the tests carried out to verify the suitability of this device in determining the actual orientation of the horizontal components of a seismic sensor placed on downhole or on ocean bottom
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