A review of timing accuracy across the Global Seismographic Network

Seismological Research Letters
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

The accuracy of timing across a seismic network is important for locating earthquakes as well as studies that use phase‐arrival information (e.g., tomography). The Global Seismographic Network (GSN) was designed with the goal of having reported timing be better than 10 ms. In this work, we provide a brief overview of how timing is kept across the GSN and discuss how clock‐quality metrics are embedded in Standard for Exchange of Earthquake Data records. Specifically, blockette 1001 contains the timing‐quality field, which can be used to identify time periods when poor clock quality could compromise timing accuracy. To verify the timing across the GSN, we compare cross‐correlation lags between collocated sensors from 1 January 2000 to 1 January 2020. We find that the mean error is less than 10 ms, with much of the difference likely coming from the method or uncertainty in the phase response of the instruments. This indicates that timing across the GSN is potentially better than 10 ms. We conclude that unless clock quality is compromised (as indicated in blockette 1001), GSN data’s timing accuracy should be suitable for most current seismological applications that require 10 ms accuracy. To assist users, the GSN network operators have implemented a “gsn_timing” metric available via the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology Data Management Center that helps users identify data with substandard timing accuracy (the 10 ms design goal of the GSN).

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title A review of timing accuracy across the Global Seismographic Network
Series title Seismological Research Letters
DOI 10.1785/0220200394
Volume 92
Issue 4
Year Published 2021
Language English
Publisher Seismological Society of America
Contributing office(s) Geologic Hazards Science Center
Description 12 p.
First page 2270
Last page 2281
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details