UNAM, at the forefront of seismic instrumentation, has been pivotal in transforming the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck Mexico 40 years ago on September 19. This natural disaster served as a catalyst for the country and the National Autonomous University of Mexico to intensify their seismic studies and research efforts, leading to significant advancements in equipment and modernization in the field. The culmination of these endeavors is the establishment of the National Seismological Service (SSN), operated by the Institute of Geophysics (IGEF) at UNAM, which stands as one of the most advanced monitoring centers in Latin America.
The SSN, which celebrated its 115th anniversary on September 5, operates round the clock, 365 days a year, equipped with cutting-edge technology to monitor seismic activities. To ensure the continuity of operations in the event of a central station failure at Ciudad Universitaria, the Alternate Monitoring Center was inaugurated on September 14, 2023, in Pachuca, Hidalgo. This facility replicates the capabilities of the SSN in terms of data storage and processing, serving as a backup hub for uninterrupted monitoring.
Situated in the “District of Education, Health, Science, Technology, and Innovation” in San Agustín Tlaxiaca, a suburb of Pachuca, the Alternate Monitoring Center is outfitted with state-of-the-art surveillance systems, including CCTV, access control, and alert mechanisms. It houses multiple computing servers, a 170-terabyte storage system, a 6 x 2 meters videowall, specialized software, high-speed internet connectivity, and networking equipment essential for seamless operations.
Moreover, UNAM boasts the Vibrating Table Laboratory at the Institute of Engineering (II UNAM), a seismic simulation facility aimed at enhancing the understanding of seismic phenomena, thereby contributing to the improvement of construction regulations and standards in the country. This laboratory, unique in Mexico and Latin America, facilitates structural evaluations of buildings and construction systems during seismic events, making it a crucial resource for the industry.
The seismic event of September 1985 in Mexico marked a turning point, particularly in seismic instrumentation, telecommunications, and civil engineering, spurring advancements in these areas within the university. Roberto Durán, the head of the Laboratory, emphasizes the laboratory’s role in positioning UNAM at the forefront of seismic engineering studies. It not only assists construction firms in assessing equipment and structures’ behavior during seismic activities but also caters to the evolving needs of the electrical industry and other sectors seeking testing services.
The Vibrating Table, donated by the Japanese company Kajima, comprises a sophisticated simulation system capable of handling significant loads, hydraulic actuators, cooling systems, data acquisition units, and control mechanisms. This setup enables researchers to predict and evaluate building responses under various seismic scenarios, contributing valuable insights to enhance construction regulations continually.
The outcomes of research conducted at this laboratory have been integrated into the construction regulations of Mexico City, shaping regulatory improvements based on empirical studies conducted over the past four decades. The strategic location of the laboratory at Ciudad Universitaria underscores Mexico’s high seismicity zone, where even moderate tremors in coastal regions impact structures due to soil characteristics, necessitating continuous monitoring and research efforts.
In 1985, II UNAM and SSN collaborated to install triaxial accelerometers across Mexico City to achieve seismic regionalization. Presently, microzonations are employed in the city’s three regions, enhancing the understanding of soil behaviors. The proliferation of monitoring instruments, from around ten to several hundred, has enabled precise data collection at specific points, aiding in structural assessments and earthquake impact evaluations.
The Vibrating Table Laboratory not only contributes to human resource development and industry collaboration but also plays a vital role in certifying equipment, all geared towards enhancing societal well-being. Durán highlights the laboratory’s significance in attracting prestigious international universities seeking similar facilities, underlining UNAM’s leadership in seismic research and engineering studies.
The seismic devastation of September 1985 spurred advancements in seismic instrumentation and research contributions by SSN, overseen by IGEF since 1948, enhancing scientific investigations. The Instrumentation and Maintenance Coordinator at SSN, Jorge Alberto Estrada Castillo, emphasizes the pivotal role of SSN in developing the Broadband Network, a highly sensitive system that bolsters the precision of seismic monitoring and aids in regulatory enhancements.
With over 100 monitoring stations, including at least 65 broadband stations strategically placed across Mexico, SSN has significantly expanded its seismic monitoring capabilities. Plans to install additional broadband stations within the next 18 months, spanning from Tijuana to Quintana Roo, will further enhance the nation’s seismic monitoring infrastructure. The seismic networks in the Mexico Valley, with 12 broadband stations, and the delegational seismic network in Mexico City, comprising 16 observatories, transmit real-time data to SSN, integrating them into the Earthworm and Seiscomp processing systems.
Estrada Castillo elaborates on SSN’s role in improving seismic monitoring nationwide, enabling precise location and magnitude calculations of seismic events. The network’s sensitivity extends beyond national borders, allowing detailed monitoring of earthquakes worldwide, including recent events in Indonesia, Chile, Japan, and Russia, enhancing global seismic data sharing and collaboration among experts.
Reminiscing the installation of the first seismic station in Ciudad Universitaria in the late 1980s, Estrada Castillo anticipates the installation of 20 new seismic stations, primarily in Yucatan and Nuevo León, by late 2025 and the first half of 2026. The commitment to install at least 38 stations in the following two years underscores UNAM’s dedication to advancing seismic monitoring and research efforts nationwide.
In conclusion, UNAM’s pioneering initiatives in seismic instrumentation underscore its commitment to advancing scientific research, enhancing societal resilience, and fostering international collaboration in seismic studies. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities, coupled with its dedicated research teams, position it as a global leader in seismic research and monitoring, contributing significantly to the understanding and mitigation of seismic risks worldwide.
Takeaways:
- UNAM’s seismic research and instrumentation efforts have significantly advanced following the seismic events of 1985.
- The university’s Vibrating Table Laboratory and Alternate Monitoring Center showcase cutting-edge technology and infrastructure for seismic studies.
- SSN’s Broadband Network has revolutionized seismic monitoring in Mexico, enabling precise event location and magnitude calculations.
- International collaborations and information sharing enhance global seismic research and monitoring capabilities.
- The continuous expansion of monitoring stations underscores UNAM’s commitment to bolstering seismic research and regulatory standards.
- UNAM’s leadership in seismic studies underscores its pivotal role in enhancing societal resilience and safety measures.
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