Modernization and Integration of the Liubeshka Station (UT) in Ukraine

To better understand the geological and tectonic conditions of Ukraine, it is necessary to improve regional earthquake monitoring by upgrading existing seismic stations and installing new ones. Ukraine's western, southwestern, and southern regions are located within a seismically active belt formed by the collision of the Eurasian and African tectonic plates. This belt spans from the Azores through the Mediterranean, Black Sea, and Caucasus regions, extending to the Hindu Kush. It includes key areas such as the Carpathian Arc, which experiences significant subcrustal seismic activity in the Vrancea zone, and the Crimean-Black Sea segment. These regions are priorities for seismic monitoring due to their activity levels.

A recent effort to improve monitoring infrastructure focused on the Liubeshka (LUBU) station in the Carpathian region, part of the Ukrainian National Seismic Network (network code UT). Previously relying on outdated SM3 sensors from the Soviet era, the station required significant modernization to meet current standards. This upgrade was part of a broader initiative to enhance the national seismic network.

Modernization of the LUBU station included several preparatory steps. Satellite imagery was analyzed to evaluate potential noise sources near the site, and geological and tectonic studies were conducted to confirm its suitability. Reconnaissance activities included noise surveys and Probabilistic Power Spectral Density (PPSD) analysis to measure background noise levels. Additional seismic profiling, using a hammer source, was performed to examine the upper geological layers, which are important for determining the appropriate placement of seismic equipment.

Infrastructure upgrades at the site involved drilling a four-meter-deep borehole, which was cased to house the new seismic sensor. Other improvements included constructing a mount for solar panels to ensure a consistent power supply for the equipment. In December 2024, a Trillium Slim posthole broadband seismometer was installed at the site, replacing the outdated sensors. Data collection systems were configured to transmit information to the main server, and the station was successfully integrated into the EarthScope network, enabling data sharing with international partners.

This upgrade is part of an ongoing effort to modernize and expand Ukraine’s seismic monitoring capabilities. The project focuses on deploying permanent broadband posthole seismic stations to improve spatial coverage and enhance the resolution of seismic data. These improvements are essential for more accurate seismic hazard assessments and for understanding tectonic processes in the region.

The modernization and expansion of Ukraine’s seismic network are supported by the U.S. Department of Energy through its Seismic Cooperation Program. The project is facilitated by the Science and Technology Center of Ukraine and includes contributions from the Subbotin Institute of Geophysics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (USA), Michigan State University (USA), and the EarthScope Consortium (USA). Collaborative efforts have been key in implementing these advancements and fostering data exchange.