History and operational capability of the Ethiopian Seismic Station Network (ESSN)

Abstract

Together with the three component short period WWSSN analog station operating at the Geophysical Observatory (AAE), five seismic stations are running in the country. FURI is one of the four three-component digital stations with a GURALP CMG 3T and STS1 broadband sensors. The other three seismic stations at Wendogenet, Dessie and Alemaya are equipped with Le -3d/5s seismometers with RefTek Data Acquisition Systems (DASs), which provide semi-broadband signals. Except AAE, all stations use GPS receivers for accurate timing and provide three-component digital record. Digital data facilitate quick interpretations of seismic signals using computers. The seismic stations are in a good position to date to monitor major seismic activities of the Ethiopian rift. The earthquake locations estimated using data from our own network are found to be reliable with reasonable accuracy. A total of 15 earthquakes are located in this pilot study of which only four are captured by the USGS (United States Geological Survey) bulletin and all lie along the rift in Afar and the main Ethiopian rift system.

Key words/phrases: Ethiopian rift, seismic station network, seismicity


SINET: Ethiopian Journal of Science Vol. 28 (1) 2005: 93-98