On the Use of a Dense Network of Seismo-Acoustic Arrays for Near-Regional Environmental Monitoring

A dense network of eight, seismo-acoustic arrays operates in the southern Korean Peninsula, and since the first array installation in 1999, has provided data for monitoring local and regional seismic and infrasound signals from natural and anthropogenic phenomena. The main operational purpose of the network is to discriminate man-made seismic events from natural earthquakes to produce a clean earthquake catalog, and to ensure that seismic and infrasonic data are appropriately used for analyzing and characterizing various sources using the seismo-acoustic wave fields. This chapter summarizes results of several studies that used the network dataset to; (i) Compare seasonal variations in infrasound detections with local surface weather measurements and stratospheric wind dynamics, (ii) Develop seismic and acoustic data fusion methods that enhance source discrimination synergy, (iii) Understand the characteristic of local and regional infrasound propagation using repetitive surface explosion sources, and (iv) Review infrasound observations from earthquakes and underground nuclear tests. Finally, this chapter illustrates the usefulness of dense regional networks to characterize various seismo-acoustic sources and enhance detection capability in regions of interest in the context of future verification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.