Global infrasound monitoring—Research issues

• Published in: The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 2002-11, Vol.112 (5_Supplement), p.2378-2378
• Main Authors: Bass, Henry E., Gilbert, Kenneth, Garces, Milton, Hetzer, Claus, Herrin, Gene, Golden, Paul, Olson, John, Osborne, Daniel, Szuberla, Curt A. L., Wilson, Charles, Berger, Jon, Hedlin, Michael, Whitaker, Rod, Revelle, Doug, Woodward, Bob, North, Bob, Kromer, Richard
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0001-4966; 1520-8524
• DOI: 10.1121/1.4779666

The International Monitoring System being installed to support monitoring compliance with the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty provides scientists with a unique opportunity for research. There are still a number of problems which limit the full exploitation of the system. These include limitations on signal-to-noise imposed by wind noise and the absence of well defined, internationally accepted calibration standards for sensors. But perhaps the major research challenges lie in the area of source characterization and definition. Most of the signals recorded at the few sites now operating come from unidentified sources. There has been some effort devoted to identifying local and regional sources but the unidentified category still exceeds 50% of all distinct events. There are a number of infrasound sources that occur naturally. These include volcanic eruptions, bolides, microbaroms, mountaintop/wind interactions, severe storms, and earthquakes. Manmade sources include most any energetic activity. After sorting out all these sources, there may remain more exotic sources of infrasound not yet identified. Therein lies a major source of excitement.