Speakers
Description
At the SnT2023, the evolution and sustainment of the International Monitoring System (IMS) was discussed by a panel chaired by the current IMS Director Xyoli Perez Campos and its former Directors Gerardo Suarez, Frederico Guendel, and Seismic Section Chief Sergio Barrientos.
The panelists examined the trajectory of the IMS from inception to its current state, and projected potential future directions.
The panelists highlighted that initial opposition to the IMS was overcome and it successfully proved its capability and efficiency.
A key topic discussed was the significance of IMS sustainment. The necessity to expand the Database of the Technical Secretariat (DOTS) to include probability statistics and failure data as well as budget information was underscored.
The challenges faced during the installation and certification of stations, supporting Member States in sustaining Auxiliary Seismic (AS) stations, as well as issues in the recapitalization of hydro-acoustic stations were noted.
The panel concurred that the IMS requires a robust budget to ensure its continued operation and improvement. They agreed that the inclusion of failure analysis and learning from other network operators and suppliers, including addressing obsolescence, would be beneficial.
The discussion underlined the enduring relevance of IMS, its successful growth despite early challenges, and the vital importance of continuous adaptation and improvement in the face of future operational and technological hurdles.
