Comparative Performance Analysis of Seismic Sensitivity: Superconducting Gravimeter vs. Broadband Seismometer

This study presents a comparative evaluation of the seismic detection capabilities between the iGrav superconducting gravimeter (SG) at the Yemi Micro-Gravity Observatory (YeMiGO) and conventional broadband seismometers. We analyzed the initial 587-day observation period following the SG's installation to assess their relative response characteristics across varying epicentral distances.

Under a unified analysis framework, the YeMiGO SG identified 398 seismic events, while the regional broadband seismometer network recorded 282 events.

The preliminary results reveal a difference in relative sensitivity: whereas the detection threshold of broadband seismometers exhibits a more pronounced degradation as a function of distance, the SG maintains a relatively stable signal-to-noise ratio for far-field events. These findings suggest that the iGrav SG is less susceptible to the sensitivity loss typically associated with increasing epicentral distance. Consequently, the SG provides a more robust and extended detection range, serving as a powerful complementary tool to traditional inertial sensors for global seismic monitoring and deep-earth structure studies.