Cooperative seismological studies on Spitsbergen

This is a proposal to establish and operate a high-quality seismic station in Barentsburg, and to carry out associated seismological studies. The project is relevant with respect to the call for proposals since it involves cooperation between Norway and R ussia in monitoring induced seismicity due to mining activities in Barentsburg (relevant to environment) and in monitoring seismic events related to glacier movements on Spitsbergen (relevant to climate change). The proposed three-year project will suppl ement and expand the long-standing cooperation between NORSAR and the Kola Regional Seismological Centre (KRSC), which is a branch of the Geophysical Survey of the Russian Academy of Sciences, in monitoring seismic events in the European Arctic. The exis ting experimental seismic station in Barentsburg is not adequate for modern seismic monitoring purposes, with outdated equipment and frequent breakdowns. The proposed new station in Barentsburg will significantly improve the seismic monitoring capabiliti es, in particular for rockbursts in the Barentsburg coal mine but also with respect to improved location accuracy of the thousands of small seismic events that occur each year and are related to movements in glaciers (icequakes) and calving of glaciers. I n this regard, it will be an important supplement to the existing permanent, high-quality seismic stations in Adventdalen (SPITS), Ny-Ålesund (KBS) and in Hornsund (HSP). Furthermore, joint analysis of data from Barentsburg and the SPITS, KBS and HSP sta tions will improve the overall quality of seismic monitoring of the Svalbard archipelago and adjacent seas, in particular along the Knipovich Ridge west of Spitsbergen. If the project is successful, future expansion may be proposed to include a station in Pyramiden. Augmentation of the network with infrasound stations may also be considered.