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Article: Ocean seismic network seafloor observatories.(includes related article on ocean bottom observatories and the global seismic network management structure)
- Article from:
- Oceanus
- Article date:
- March 22, 1998
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1998 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Our knowledge of the physical characteristics of Earth's deep interior is based largely on observations of surface vibrations that occur after large earthquakes. Using the same techniques as CAT (Computer Aided Tomography) scans in medical imaging, seismologists can "image" the interior of our planet. But just as medical imaging requires sensors that surround the patient, seismic imaging requires sensors surrounding the earth.
At the end of 1997 there were 105 high quality seismic stations on continents and islands around the globe as part of the US sponsored Global Seismic Network. In addition, smaller networks of land stations are sponsored by Japan and France. ...