Phivolcs to install 27 seismic sensors in Luzon and Mindanao

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) will install 27 new motion sensors in provinces near the National Capital Region and in Mindanao to record high-magnitude earthquakes and other earth movements. Twelve of the sensors will be placed in Davao City. 

 

The sensors will provide data that will be used in studies of the effects of earth movements on soil quality, especially in highly urbanized cities in Luzon. The sensors record large-amplitude, high-frequency seismic wave activities that are typical of local earthquakes with magnitude 3 and above.

 

“[DOST is] embarking on a program that will ensure safer communities through science and technology, and the installation of strong motion sensors will play a part in it,” says DOST Secretary Mario Montejo. 

 

Strong earth movements loosen up soil, making the affected areas more vulnerable to hazards such as landslides, erosion, sinkholes and soil liquefaction. With the sensors, experts will be able to determine the risks and provide recommendations in a timely manner, such as upgrading building codes. The agency will also be able to predict the patterns of strong shaking in future large earthquakes thanks to the sensors. The findings will be helpful to the construction industry as well. “Engineers will be guided on the limitations of their structural designs against the soil quality in a particular area,” says Phivolcs’ Melchor Lasala. “Our job is to provide vital information to local governments as well as private engineering firms and land developers on the possible hazards that may occur, and hopefully prevent them from happening.”

 

Although the sensors measure “big event” ground movements, Phivolcs stresses that the sensors are not early warning systems for earthquakes. “These instruments are used more on recording and measuring the impact and magnitude of the earthquake in an area for further studies,” says Lasala.

 

Recently, Phivolcs installed a sensor in San Pablo City, Laguna. — TJD, GMA News