Advancing Seismographic Networks in Brazil: USP’s Collaborations and Contributions

The University of São Paulo (USP) initiated its international collaborations in seismology during the 1980s by assisting in the installation of the Geoscope very-broadband SPB station in Brazil. This marked the beginning of a sustained effort to establish and operate seismic stations under international partnerships. In 2024, an additional Geoscope station was installed in western Brazil, further enhancing very-broadband seismic coverage across South America.

The Brazilian Seismographic Network (RSBR), established in 2010, now encompasses over 100 permanent broadband stations managed by four universities: USP (BL network), the National Observatory (ON network), the University of Brasília (BR network), and the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (NB network). RSBR plays a critical role in monitoring seismicity across Brazil, offering real-time open data (via Seedlink) and on-demand access (via FDSNws). Its impact is evident in the Brazilian seismic catalog, which recorded 820 earthquakes between 1900 and 2010. From 2010 to 2024, this number increased to over 2,800 events. The BL network alone serves more than 70 institutions in real-time and shares terabytes of data with researchers worldwide.

Another noteworthy initiative is the Vale Seismographic Network, a public-private partnership between USP and Vale S.A. This network monitors local seismicity in the mining regions of the Quadrilátero Ferrífero (southeastern Brazil) and Carajás (northern Brazil) using 11 broadband stations. Data from these networks is openly available for regional and teleseismic events outside mining zones.

In addition to permanent networks, USP’s Seismology Center deploys temporary stations to address induced seismicity in regions such as Taquaritinga/SP, Sales Oliveira/SP, and Gramado/RS. Following the M 5.7 intraplate earthquake on January 31, 2022, in Guyana, USP partnered with the Guyana Geological Commission to install four stations in Guyana's Deep South.

Managing the extensive database of these networks poses significant challenges. Reliable metadata and synchronized waveform archives are maintained, even for temporary deployments that require frequent equipment updates. USP hosts South America's only FDSN server for waveform and metadata dissemination, ensuring open data access wherever feasible. Arrival times from all USP networks are regularly contributed to the International Seismological Centre (ISC) for inclusion in its revised bulletin.

Despite operational and maintenance challenges, USP remains committed to fostering collaborations with Brazilian and neighboring institutions to promote the sustainable development of permanent, independent, and open seismic networks.