HR: 14:25h
AN: U13A-03    [Abstracts]
TI: Towards a Better Earthquake and Tsunami Monitoring System: Indian Effort
AU: * Bansal, B
EM: bansalbk@nic.in
AF: Seismology Division, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, New Delhi, 110016 India
AU: Gupta, G
EM: guptagd@nic.in
AF: Seismology Division, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, New Delhi, 110016 India
AB: The December 26, 2004 earthquake (mw 9.3) in the Andaman-Sumatra subduction zone was unprecedented in its size, rupture extent as well as tsunamigenic capacity. Knowledge about the lack of a predecessor to this event was part of the reason for the apparent lack of anticipation and preparedness. Clearly, this event has changed the perception of earthquake/tsunami hazard along the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as well as regions along the southwest coast of India, far removed from the source earthquake. The government of India is embarking on a major programme to study the earthquake processes in the Andaman and Nicobar regions, part of the subduction zone stretching about 1000 km, most of which was affected by the earthquake. These efforts include expansion and modernization of the existing seismic network, continuous and campaign-mode GPS surveys, geological and geophysical investigations and inundation mapping. Research programmes being funded by the DST aims at improved understanding of the seismic sources, their past behavior, rupture characteristics, physical processing related to earthquakes in this subduction zone and style of deformation using geodetic techniques. A network of more than 100 seismological stations operate in India presently, most of them being operated by the India Meteorological Department, the nodal agency for seismological studies. Linking and modernization and addition of more seismic observatories are underway. The station at Port Blair has been upgraded as broadband and a good network of portable stations are now operational. Added to these are the GPS campaign mode surveys that are being done along the entire arc. Establishment of a multiparametric geophysical observatory to monitor physical processes prior to large earthquakes is another experiment in plan. The structure of the Tsunami Warning System being proposed also involves establishment of more tide gauges and pressure sensors at strategic locations. It is expected that the data generated through various research initiatives will provide the necessary scientific basis for the proposed warning system.
DE: 4564 Tsunamis and storm surges
DE: 7209 Earthquake dynamics (1242)
DE: 7223 Earthquake interaction, forecasting, and prediction (1217, 1242)
DE: 7299 General or miscellaneous
SC: Union [U]
MN: Fall Meeting 2005