Current status of seismic network modernization in Ukraine

Seismological monitoring is vital for both fundamental research and applied geophysics. Even in regions with moderate seismicity, a robust seismic network is crucial for hazard assessment and geoscientific advancements. In Ukraine, this need has intensified due to the ongoing recovery and modernization following the war. Ukraine’s seismic network has historically faced significant challenges, including outdated equipment and minimal upgrades since independence. The war exacerbated these issues, resulting in funding cuts, damaged infrastructure, and a loss of expertise.

The seismic network operated by the Subbotin Institute of Geophysics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine is currently undergoing reconstruction and modernization. Recent international collaborations have facilitated initial steps toward modernizing the network, particularly in the Carpathian region and beyond.

Efforts to reorganize the seismic network in the Carpathian region were supported by the ORFEUS Data Integration Grant under the Geo-INQUIRE Project, with contributions from GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Gaia Code, and Geoazur, which provided instruments and technical support. These initiatives led to the deployment of four new seismic stations at existing, registered sites in September and December 2024, with one additional station planned for early 2025. For the first time, data from the Institute of Geophysics’ seismic network were integrated into the European Integrated Data Archive (EIDA), marking a significant milestone in improving data accessibility and collaboration within the European seismological community.

Subbotin Institute of Geophysics is also leading the "Seismic Network Expansion in Ukraine" project, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Michigan State University (MSU), and the EarthScope Consortium. This initiative focuses on deploying new seismic stations and ensuring real-time transmission of high-quality data. Noise surveys were conducted across the Carpathian region, central, and southern Ukraine to identify optimal station sites, considering both natural and anthropogenic noise. As part of this project, the posthole seismic station was installed at the LUBU (Liubeshka) site in December 2024, with additional stations planned, network code UT. Data from these stations are transmitted to the EarthScope Data Management Center.

Beyond network modernization, efforts have also focused on education and capacity building. With support from Section 4.7 (GFZ), an educational seismic network using Raspberry Shake seismometers was established. This initiative engages middle and high school students in hands-on seismological research. Educational materials, including a lectures on seismic instruments and a Jupyter Notebook with Python examples, empower students to analyze real-time seismic data. Many students have developed independent research projects, participating in the Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. These activities not only foster scientific curiosity but also highlight the importance of geophysics as a career path.

Institute of Geophysics acknowledges funding support from the Data Integration Grant (ORFEUS, Geo-INQUIRE, Grant Agreement 101058518). Instruments and technical support were provided by GFZ, GIPP-GEOFON, GaiaCode, and Geoazur. T. Amashukeli is supported by the MSCA4Ukraine program. SNEMU project is implemented in partnership with Science and Technology Center of Ukraine, U.S. Department of Energy, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (USA), Michigan State University (USA), and EarthScope Consortium (USA).