Project HOTSPOT: Array instalation

The HOTSPOT experiment is the most ambitious seismic investigation of the hotspot to date. 35 PASSCAL broadband instruments (Guralp 3-ESP, 40T and 3T models), with Reftek recorders, were installed between May 28 and July 31, 1996 (Fig. 1). The locations were chosen to be spaced evenly over the island while being near a connection to the power grid where possible. 24 stations were located at such a power source. 5 were located inland, these are being powered by banks of batteries and solar panels and being visited every 2 - 4 months to recharge the batteries with portable generators. The sensor for all these stations were either placed on bedrock or on a concrete floor laid on bedrock (see photos below). Where possible they were located in unused or little used sheds, alternatively a vault was constructed outdoors. All stations are recording continuously at 20 sps. The data is written to field disks which are replaced every 2 - 4 months.

The HOTSPOT network complements the SIL network operated by Vedurstofa Islands (The Icelandic Meteorological Office). This networks is concentrated in the high risk/activity areas of Iceland, the north and southwest, and consists of a combination of broadband and high frequency instruments (click on map to see enlarged version). 6 PASSCAL instruments were placed at SIL locations, in vaults replacing short period instruments or extending the network. The SIL data is telemetered to Reykjavik after events.

Raunvisindastofnun Haskolans (The University Science Institute) also operate a network of 7 single component high frequency instruments (Fig. 1). This data is telemetered to Reykjavik where 6 of them are recorded on a PASSCAL Reftek in addition to their usual data recorders (click on map to see enlarged version).

The combined networks give excellent coverage of Iceland as shown in on the map, a total of 62 stations evenly distributed with a station spacing of approximately 50 km. Click on map to see enlarged version indicating the locations of the different sensor types.




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