German Seismic and Infrasound Networks Contributing to the European Integrated Data Archive (EIDA)

Germany has a long history in seismic instrumentation. The installation of the first station sites was initiated in those regions with seismic activity. Later on, with an increasing need for seismic hazard assessment, seismological state services were established over the course of several decades, using heterogeneous technology. In parallel, scientific research and international cooperation projects triggered the establishment of institutional and nationwide networks and arrays also focusing on topics other than monitoring local or regional areas, such as recording global seismicity or verification of the compliance with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. At each of the observatories and data centers, an extensive analysis of the recordings is performed providing high-level data products, for example, earthquake catalogs, as a base for supporting state or federal authorities, to inform the public on topics related to seismology, and for information transfer to international institutions. These data products are usually also accessible at websites of the responsible organizations. The establishment of the European Integrated Data Archive (EIDA) led to a consolidation of existing waveform data exchange mechanisms and their definition as standards in Europe, along with a harmonization of the applied data quality assurance procedures. In Germany, the German Regional Seismic Network as national backbone network and the state networks of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, and Bavaria spearheaded the national contributions to EIDA. The benefits of EIDA are attracting additional state and university networks, which are about to join the EIDA community now.

Automated summary

Germany has a long history in seismic instrumentation, establishing state services, scientific research institutions, and nationwide networks. These entities provide high-level data products to support government authorities, inform the public on seismology-related topics, and exchange information with international organizations.