Expanding the Global Seismographic Network

Seismology is an inherently global science. While the devastating effects of large earthquakes are limited to the immediate epicentral area, the seismic waves produced by even moderate earthquakes are recorded world wide and can be used to probe the Earth’s deep interior and provide information on the structure and dynamics of our evolving planet. In turn, the recording of seismic waves globally can be used to locate and quantify the nature of earthquake sources. A cornerstone of global seismological research has been a long and productive tradition of international cooperation in the collection and exchange of seismographic data.