Observation network of the Institute of Geophysical Researches, ME RK
Geophysical Observatories Aktyubinsk, Borovoye, Kurchatov, and Makanchi, established during the Soviet times specially for monitoring of nuclear explosions conducted in different parts of the world, made up the basis of the IGR ME RK seismic observation network. In 1994 they were handed over to the Institute of Geophysical Research NNC RK.
Located within a large continent in the regions with very low seismic noise level, within the massives, formed by rocks with excellent transfer characteristics, Kazakhstan seismic stations are ideal for monitoring at regional and teleseismic distances. The NNC RK seismic network currently operating as the network of the Institute of Geophysical Researches ME RK is the result of the international cooperation on its recovery and modernization.
At the present time, the IGR observation network includes 5 seismic arrays, 8 three-component stations, and 3 infrasound arrays. In Almaty there is the Centre for Acquisition and Processing of the Special Seismic Information functioning as the Kazakhstan National Data Centre under the International Monitoring System. Data from all stations are transmitted to the Data Centre in real-time mode.
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The stations of the International Monitoring System of the Comprehensive Test-Ban Treaty Organization:
In 1996 Kazakhstan signed the Comprehensive Nuclear Test ban Treaty (CTBT) (www.ctbto.org). According to the Protocol to the CTBT five facilities located on Kazakhstan territory were included into the newly created International Monitoring System for monitoring the compliance with CTBT. These are Makanchi seismic array (PS23) included into the primary IMS stations, seismic arrays Borovoye (AS057), Kurchatov (AS058), Aktyubinsk three-component seismic station (AS059), included into auxiliary seismic stations network of the IMS, and the primary Aktyubinsk infrasound station (IS31).
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The stations constructed and operated in cooperation with AFTAC (USA):
Three seismic arrays (10 elements each) - Makanchi (MKAR-PS23), also included into the IMS CTBTO system, Karatayu (KKAR), and Akbulak (ABKAR) were constructed in cooperation with AFTAC (USA) www.aftac.gov. In 2016, the Makanchi infrasound array (MKIAR), constructed in cooperation with AFTAC, was put into operation.
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The stations of the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology network, IRIS:
On the territory of Kazakhstan there are three operating seismic stations of IRIS Consortium network: in Borovoye (BORK-IRIS/IDA), in Kurchatov (KURK-IRIS/IDA), in Makanchi (MAKZ-IRIS/GSN) included into the IGR network.
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Seismic stations of the IGR network not included into the international observation networks:
In 2010, in cooperation with the German Research Centre for Geosciences (Helmholtz Centre, Potsdam) www.gfz-potsdam.de two three-component seismic stations were installed in Kazakhstan under the CAREMON Project: Ortayu station (OTUK) in Central Kazakhstan, and Podgornoye station (PDG) in the south-east of Kazakhstan. The more detailed information on the station can be found at https://www.kndc.kz/kndc/docs/publication/2012_3.pdf. After the Project completion the stations are operated by the IGR and included into its network. KNDC seismic station is installed in Almaty on the territory of the Data Centre. Near Almaty, to the west, there is Kaskelen (KASK) seismic station installed.
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Infrasound stations of the IGR network not included into the international observation networks:
The infrasound station KURIS installed under the National budget program of RK operates in Kurchatov.
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The map of the IGR ME RK network stations location. Circles – seismic arrays, triangles – three-component seismic stations, stars – infrasound stations. Red triangle – Data Centre (KNDC) in Almaty |
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The detailed information on the IGR network can be found in the publication by Mikhailova I.N., Sokolova I.N. Monitoring System of the Institute of Geophysical Research of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan. // Summary of the Bulletin of the International Seismological Centre. 2016. January-June. Volume 53. Issue 1. 2019. p.27-38. https//publications.isc.ac.uk/index.php/summary/article/view/28/29
