Earthquake Events Detected by Continuous Gravimeters
Indra Gunawan, Eko Januari Wahyudi, Susanti Alawiyah, Wawan Gunawan Abdul Kadir

Institut Teknologi Bandung

Abstract

Earthquake monitoring and early warning systems play a critical role in mitigating the impact of seismic events on human lives and infrastructure. Continuous gravimeters, sensitive instruments designed to measure second changes in gravitational forces, have emerged as valuable tools for earthquake detection and monitoring. This abstract reports the significance of continuous gravimeters in detecting earthquake events, highlighting their principle of operation, advantages, and contributions to seismic research. In contrast to traditional seismic sensors, continuous gravimeters offer a unique perspective on seismic activity by detecting mass redistributions resulting from the movement of Earths tectonic plates during an earthquake. This capacity enables them to capture the initial moments of an earthquake, contributing to early warning systems that can provide critical seconds to minutes of advance notice, enhancing preparedness and response efforts. Two earthquake events were detected by the gPhone gravimeters placed in Institut Teknologi Bandung, Ganesha Campus. The sources were known to be 10 km deep below the Cirebon area, 106 km away from the gravity station. It shows that continuous gravimeters have the potential capability to advance earthquake monitoring and early warning capabilities. By offering a complementary approach to seismic sensors, these instruments broaden our understanding of earthquake dynamics and contribute to developing more robust and effective strategies for mitigating seismic hazards. As technology continues to evolve, continuous gravimeters hold promise for revolutionizing our ability to detect and respond to earthquake events, ultimately enhancing global resilience to seismic threats.

Keywords: gravity, earthquake, monitoring, early warning, gPhone

Topic: Earth and Planetary Sciences