Task 1.2: Data access

Extensive work has been carried out within the PRENLAB-2 project in creating an earthquake database with easy access. The database structure used is INGRES.

Work has started in creating an early warning system, including a multidisciplinary early warning database. The objective of this system and its database is to merge together all available information that can be significant to have in case of large earthquakes and eruptions. Also to make relevant information and warnings based on them available as fast as possible to other scientists, authorities and the public, in case of an approaching or ongoing hazard situation.

SIL network seismic data since 1991 can be accessed through the Internet, by search in a simple relational database table. This table has hypocenter and magnitude information on SIL measured earthquakes since July 1991 that have been manually checked, i.e. over 160000 earthquakes. Search options for area, magnitude and time are provided.

The preparatory work for a new, general and easy accessible relational database for all seismic data is completed and the inclusion of data in the database is in good progress.

Included in the database now or in the near future is:

• Information based on historical information. This information has been gathered over the years and will be inserted into the database.

• Information on instrumentally measured earthquakes from 1926 to 1991. Available parameter data for earthquakes during the period 1926-1974 has been extracted from catalogues and inserted into relational database tables. Parameter data for the period 1975-1986 have also been inserted into relational database tables but are not complete. Work on filling gaps in time and for areas for this period is in progress. Work on 1987-1990 data is also in progress and will be inserted within short.

  Information on earthquakes that were felt but not recorded is also inserted into the tables.

• Information on SIL parameter data from 1991 to present. The data have been checked and updated to ensure compatible processing from different recording systems. The insertion of parameter data, both observed and derived, into relational database tables is up-to-date. Information on over 160000 earthquakes is now accessible through a standardized SQL database.

• Information on station parameters, such as coordinates, instrument characteristics and time corrections at each respective time of measuring. Relational database tables have been developed.

Beside preparing this general database much work has been carried out in providing the various other subprojects with earthquake data, in accordance with the progress of the research work.

The early warning system is being built up in continuation of the significant results and data collection of the PRENLAB projects. It has been shown during recent high activity in Iceland that scientists can now provide information and warnings that are very significant for mitigating risks. Thus it is a pressing need to make, as fast as possible, use of all acquired understanding for that purpose. The IMOR.DG website is already now a significant center for the very much needed fast communication among scientists, with the public and the authorities, foremost the National Civil Defence of Iceland.