USGS Grant: GPS Array for Mid-America Deformation Monitoring in New Madrid Seismic Zone

Notice of Intent to award a cooperative agreement to the University of Memphis pursuant to the Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS) in support of the project

entitled “GPS Array for Mid-America – monitoring deformation in the New Madrid seismic zone”. The main objective of the agreement is responsible for long-term monitoring of interseismic deformation for dynamic seismic hazard assessment and investigation of fault creep and transient phenomena, and use of real-time and near real-time data for earthquake likelihood forecasting, earthquake early warning, rapid response, and assessment of immediate postseismic motion of the New Madrid Seismic Zone via the University of Memphis Geodetic Network. The University of Memphis is uniquely qualified to carry out the objectives as they are the only USGS-supported geodetic network in the New Madrid Seismic Zone. University of Memphis has a well-developed network staff that is also of great benefit to this proposed study. The PI has been extensively involved with this effort as a geodetic network operator for the GAMA Network.  In addition, specialized equipment is needed for monitoring and has been deployed by the University of Memphis in the regions of monitoring. Some of the field sensors and central recording and computing equipment is university-owned and would not be available to another source. Furthermore, data from the instruments is transmitted to the universities’ facilities and relocation of the data receiving point and telemetry equipment would be costly and time-consuming.