The High-Resolution Imaging (HRI) Portable Array: A Seismic (and Internet) Network Dedicated to Kilometric-scale Seismic Imaging

We have developed a network of portable seismic stations dedicated to the high resolution imaging of geological, potentially hazardous, targets. These targets - volcanoes, fault zones, landslide areas - are characterized by strong medium heterogeneities, rugged topography, rough field conditions, and require dedicated equipment in order to maximize the number of recording points. This new network is designed to a) operate experiments with a limited size crew, b) run on low power for possible use in remote areas and difficult conditions, c) record both active and passive seismic sources. The actual network consists of 30 clusters of 9 channels digital acquisition system (DAS), equipped with 6 vertical sensors plus 1 three-component sensor. Each DAS uses Ethernet and 802.11 (WiFi) connections that permit to a single operator to remotely control the entire network. We present the main characteristics of this new portable array, describe the calibration method developed for our sensors and show examples of configuration and recordings for two recent experiments.