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SUPPORT FOR THE IMPROVED WORLDWIDE STANDARDIZED SEISMOGRAPH NETWORK Support for the components of this improved network has been discussed throughout this report. The following budget presents proposed costs for operating, improving, and performing research and development in the order of priority that the panel considers appropriate in order to take advantage of all new developments in the field. This improved WWSSN would provide vast opportunities for new discoveries as a direct result of its upgraded instrumenta- tion, of improved station distribution, and of the superi- ority of its digital data base over past data systems. The improved WWSSN should not be static but should change with the needs of the investigators in their search for new knowledge and for answers to many scientific questions. To this end, the Panel recommends that the status of the global earthquake monitoring system be reviewed every five years to determine whether it is adequately meeting the needs of its users. Budget for the Improved Worldwide Network ($ Thousands) PRIORITY I Upgraded WWSSNâincludes present WWSSN stations and HGLP, SRO, ASOR, and IDA stations. One-Time Expenses A. Upgrading of data-processing facilities to produce network-day tapes 70 B. Upgrading of data storage and processing facilities to provide services for digital data bank 300 370 56
57 Operating Expenses A. Personnel and overhead (includes 4 traveling technicians to visit each station every 2 years) B. Data review and preparation of network- day tapes C. Copying, archiving, and distribution of analog and digital data D. Other expenses, including repair and supplies 680/yr l50/yr 450/yr 6l0/yr l890/yr PRIORITY II Additional required upgrading of WWSSN-conversion of 50 conventional WWSSN stations to digital re- cording and other needed improvements. One-Time Expenses A. Equipment, installation, and development Operating Expenses A. Personnel, data review, preparation of network-day tapes, and other expense B. Copying, archiving, and distribution of data l450 540/yr 60/yr 600/yr PRIORITY III Two-year research effort to determine the feasibility of an extensive long-term program in ocean-bottom seismology, to include the use of three-component, broadband seismographs 2000
58 PRIORITY IV Additional upgrading of WWSSN One-Time Expenses Acquisition of l0 portable digitally recording broadband seismographs at $75,000/station 750 Operating Expenses A. Personnel (4 technicians and 7 professionals) for installation of equipment at different locations around the world (6 mo/yr at $l5,000/mo) 90/yr B. Equipment maintenance, transportation, travel, and supplies l00/yr l90/yr At least l4 federal agencies depend on seismological information in the discharge of their public obligations. In turn, the government is responsible for seeing that such information is made available to those who need it. For example, many government agencies and industrial and busi- ness groups require earthquake statistics on a national or international basis for the analysis of seismic risk and in their efforts to resolve a multitude of other problems. If these needs for information are to be met, seismological observations must be obtained from adequate national and international networks over long periods of time, and it must be a government function to acquire, process, and dis- seminate these data. In addition, a basic requirement of all mission agencies, and one that must be assumed by the federal government, is for a general body of scientific knowledge that can be drawn upon when needed: that is, for a broad data base built up painstakingly over the years through the work of many individual scientists in coopera- tion with their colleagues in many parts of the world. In the next decade, there must be continuing maintenance of the present basic U.S. capability in observational seis- mology. In addition, the growing demands for risk mapping and for information vital to nuclear-power-plant siting, the expected expansion of population, and the growing capability for earthquake prediction make updating of in- strumentation and data-analysis techniques mandatory.
59 The Panel recommends that mechanisms be established in the federal government to ensure sufficient and appropri- ate funding, within the USGS for uninterrupted operation and timely upgrading of these most basic facilities and services and within NOAA/EDS for the seismogram and digital- data organization, distribution, and services. The Panel also recognizes the responsibilities of other government agencies in this endeavor and further recommends that the responsibility for formulating this plan be vested in an interagency initiative. Clearly, a stable budget must be established within the federal government to pro- vide the necessary very long-term funding of seismological networks. A number of major industries benefit directly and sub- stantially from new knowledge gained through seismological research. Among these are the petroleum, electric power (nuclear), and housing (land use) industries; mining and quarrying; the construction industry; and insurance com- panies. The kinds of data provided by global networks of seismographs may seem far removed from the needs of some of these enterprises, but if the potential contribution of seismic network data to their needs is made known to the leaders of these industries, their active support of a global earthquake recording system could contribute signif- icantly to its future development. This support could take the form of direct grants by the companies in support of network activities. For example, grants to universities that would enable them to purchase complete sets of seis- mogram copies could help to make the EDS Data Center more nearly self-supporting and would be of great value to the research groups. Perhaps the most critical element in this plan is management. In the years ahead, vigorous and imaginative management will be essential to the growth and continuing development of the WWSSN and its data-dissemination facilities. The most desirable plan would be for permanent assignment of management oversight of the network to an interagency group, with all agencies that use the data providing management guidance through the group. It is essential that responsible government officials recognize that the systematic collection of worldwide seismological data is as much in the national interest as, for example, the routine acquisition of weather data.
