Speaker
Description
The Seismic Research Centre of the University of the West Indies has operated a medium-sized seismic network to monitor earthquake and volcanic activity in the Commonwealth island territories in the Eastern Caribbean since 1952. Over the past two decades a series of regional and international disasters have illustrated the need to fortify the existing surveillance system capabilities and created the opportunity to extend the network and implement modern standards. With limited funding available to carry out the desired upgrade, regional stakeholders have pooled resources and efforts to secure such resources and implement a program of modernization. Through the utilization of Satellite and Internet Communication Technologies as well as shared ownership strategy, the operation of Virtual Seismic Networks has been facilitated. The boundary and quality of the network are extended and improved not only to facilitate tsunami surveillance but also to provide a better understanding of the dynamic processes and crustal characteristics that determines the potential of the geologic hazards being monitored. The upgraded system will also enable the development of services that will improve alerting capabilities and reduce warning latencies. This presentation focuses on the collaboration and corporation efforts that have been key to the successes so far.
