What we are doing:

PACMIN is a new network of 22 seismograph stations distributed across the island of Newfoundland. Together with existing seismographs across Atlantic Canada, these instruments will record ground vibrations including regional and global earthquakes. We can use these signals to image the internal structure of the Earth beneath Newfoundland, using techniques similar to medical imaging. We will integrate these images with other geological information to better understand the geological structure of Newfoundland and the plate-tectonic processes that assembled the island hundreds of millions of years ago.

Our seismographs record ground vibrations passively. They can pick up vibrations from human activity, ocean-wave signals, storm signals, as well as regional and global earthquakes. Some of our installations are indoors, with the seismometer resting on the floor of a building, and powered by regular electricity; others are outdoors, with the seismometer buried in the ground and the system powered by solar panels. The seismographs will be in place for two years.

Example of one of our indoor installations.

Example of one of our outdoor installations.