The mission of the Centre for Geohazard Observations is to install, maintain, and manage the Earth Observatory of Singapore’s geohazard observation networks in and around Southeast Asia. It aims to achieve high serviceability of the networks to consistently record quality data necessary to the fundamental research conducted by the Observatory.
Supporting Scientific Research
The Centre for Geohazard Observations (CGO) installs, maintains, and manages the Earth Observatory of Singapore’s (EOS) geophysical and other field instrumentation stations and networks spread over several countries in and around Southeast Asia. The CGO also conducts geophysical surveys in aid of research, providing support in various technical matters that include the acquisition, computing, and archiving of geophysical data. The Centre strives to provide an innovative and conducive technological environment for our scientists both in the field and in the laboratory.
In providing effective technical and research support to the Observatory, CGO works closely with the Observatory researchers. Scientific requirements as well as technical and operational constrains are fully considered in all implementation and maintenance plans. CGO also works closely with our Southeast Asia collaborators, aiming to strengthen and expand the relationship to advance the regional geohazard research community.
Field Installations and Equipment
Seismic Network
Seismic Network
The seismic networks, linked by a satellite-based communication system, monitor the tectonic motion in several earthquake hotspots within South and Southeast Asia, thus providing essential information for scientists to understand the earthquake potentials from these mega fault-systems on earth.
The CGO at EOS operates multiple seismic stations that monitor earthquakes and volcanic activities in real-time and that can be linked with our GPS stations. EOS works closely with other research institutes in Southeast Asia, including the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Center of Volcanology, and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) to operate the GPS and the seismic monitoring arrays. Regarding international collaboration, EOS provides important information on current tectonic and volcanic activities and receives solid support from these research institutes to understand regional earthquake and volcanic-related hazards.
The CGO at EOS is fully...
Seismic Network
Seismic Network
The seismic networks, linked by a satellite-based communication system, monitor the tectonic motion in several earthquake hotspots within South and Southeast Asia, thus providing essential information for scientists to understand the earthquake potentials from these mega fault-systems on earth.
The CGO at EOS operates multiple seismic stations that monitor earthquakes and volcanic activities in real-time and that can be linked with our GPS stations. EOS works closely with other research institutes in Southeast Asia, including the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Center of Volcanology, and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM) to operate the GPS and the seismic monitoring arrays. Regarding international collaboration, EOS provides important information on current tectonic and volcanic activities and receives solid support from these research institutes to understand regional earthquake and volcanic-related hazards.
The CGO at EOS is fully...
Geotouch
Geotouch
GeoTouch is a multi-touch display and information portal developed by the Earth Observatory of Singapore. It is a useful tool to visualise GIS content on a large multi-touch screen. A natural multi-touch interface allows the user to pan, zoom, and 3D rotate maps and layers on display using touch to examine geographic and geological information.
For more information on GeoTouch, please click here.
Geotouch
Geotouch
GeoTouch is a multi-touch display and information portal developed by the Earth Observatory of Singapore. It is a useful tool to visualise GIS content on a large multi-touch screen. A natural multi-touch interface allows the user to pan, zoom, and 3D rotate maps and layers on display using touch to examine geographic and geological information.
For more information on GeoTouch, please click here.
Sumatran GPS Array (SuGAr)
Sumatran GPS Array (SuGAr)
The Sumatran GPS Array (SuGAr) spans more than a thousand kilometres of the convergent plate boundary between Indo-Australian and Asian tectonic plates. With 49 GPS stations, this network provides a wealth of information on the Sunda megathrust and the Sumatran fault.
This Array has particular scientific value for three reasons:
- Numerous GPS stations are located on islands that directly overlie the locked sections of the Sunda megathrust: they are perfectly situated to record interseismic, coseismic and postseismic deformation of the upper part of the subduction zone, which is unique in the world.
- SuGAr geodetic data complement centennial and millennial paleoseismologic time series collected from coral micro-atolls in the same locations. SuGAr data can therefore be inserted into the context of several earthquake cycles.
- Several great earthquakes have occurred along the Sumatran margin since the network has been implemented, and one has even been...
Sumatran GPS Array (SuGAr)
Sumatran GPS Array (SuGAr)
The Sumatran GPS Array (SuGAr) spans more than a thousand kilometres of the convergent plate boundary between Indo-Australian and Asian tectonic plates. With 49 GPS stations, this network provides a wealth of information on the Sunda megathrust and the Sumatran fault.
This Array has particular scientific value for three reasons:
- Numerous GPS stations are located on islands that directly overlie the locked sections of the Sunda megathrust: they are perfectly situated to record interseismic, coseismic and postseismic deformation of the upper part of the subduction zone, which is unique in the world.
- SuGAr geodetic data complement centennial and millennial paleoseismologic time series collected from coral micro-atolls in the same locations. SuGAr data can therefore be inserted into the context of several earthquake cycles.
- Several great earthquakes have occurred along the Sumatran margin since the network has been implemented, and one has even been...
Infrasound Monitoring System
Infrasound Monitoring System
The infrasound monitoring system employed by the Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS) was first used to monitor volcanic eruptions in Indonesia. This monitoring system detects low-frequency sound waves, and the data collected provides information on the location and explosivity of the eruption, allowing our scientists to determine the impact of volcanic ash on air traffic in and around Singapore.
Data from the infrasound monitoring network contributes to the tsunami early warning system, as it can detect sound waves from the tsunami source well before the tsunami waves reach the coastline.
EOS is currently developing its capacity of infrasound monitoring in Singapore. The first part of its infrasound system was installed in Singapore in August, 2013, to monitor distant volcanic eruptions. The station caught the infrasound signal from the Kelut volcano eruption in February, 2014.
This system, which can detect very low frequency sound waves in the air, provides...
Infrasound Monitoring System
Infrasound Monitoring System
The infrasound monitoring system employed by the Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS) was first used to monitor volcanic eruptions in Indonesia. This monitoring system detects low-frequency sound waves, and the data collected provides information on the location and explosivity of the eruption, allowing our scientists to determine the impact of volcanic ash on air traffic in and around Singapore.
Data from the infrasound monitoring network contributes to the tsunami early warning system, as it can detect sound waves from the tsunami source well before the tsunami waves reach the coastline.
EOS is currently developing its capacity of infrasound monitoring in Singapore. The first part of its infrasound system was installed in Singapore in August, 2013, to monitor distant volcanic eruptions. The station caught the infrasound signal from the Kelut volcano eruption in February, 2014.
This system, which can detect very low frequency sound waves in the air, provides...
Terrestrial LiDAR
Terrestrial LiDAR
The Earth Observatory of Singapore acquired a LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) device in 2010. It is a RIEGL VZ-400, with a range up to 600m at Laser class 1, repeatability of 3mm, and a measurement rate of up to 125 000 measurements per second.
The LIDAR measures the distance to a target by emitting light pulses. This instrument can scan the topography with exquisite precision. LIDAR datasets are used in tectonics to map faults and earthquake rupture offsets: the accuracy of this instrument allows researchers to constrain precisely the slip-distribution of various faults in Asia; with complimentary dating, scientists can also estimate earthquake cycles on a given fault. Sedimentologists also use the LIDAR to map precisely various outcrops.
This technique provides real topography through ultra-high-resolution, vegetation-free images of an area as large as several square kilometres. The CGO at EOS is fully capable of acquiring and processing Ground-LiDAR data.
...
Terrestrial LiDAR
Terrestrial LiDAR
The Earth Observatory of Singapore acquired a LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) device in 2010. It is a RIEGL VZ-400, with a range up to 600m at Laser class 1, repeatability of 3mm, and a measurement rate of up to 125 000 measurements per second.
The LIDAR measures the distance to a target by emitting light pulses. This instrument can scan the topography with exquisite precision. LIDAR datasets are used in tectonics to map faults and earthquake rupture offsets: the accuracy of this instrument allows researchers to constrain precisely the slip-distribution of various faults in Asia; with complimentary dating, scientists can also estimate earthquake cycles on a given fault. Sedimentologists also use the LIDAR to map precisely various outcrops.
This technique provides real topography through ultra-high-resolution, vegetation-free images of an area as large as several square kilometres. The CGO at EOS is fully capable of acquiring and processing Ground-LiDAR data.
...
Lab Volcano Facilities
Lab Volcano Facilities
The purpose of the Lab Volcanoes is to understand the timing, rates and other details of the magma supply of different volcanoes, in order to improve forecasts of future eruptions. To this end, laboratory volcanoes display very diverse monitoring tools that provide a constant flow of data.
EOS has developed volcano laboratories at Mayon (Southeast Luzon, Philippines) and Gede-Salak (West Java, Indonesia). These volcanoes span a wide range of degassing behaviours: Mayon is an openly degassing volcano, while Gede and Salak exhibit only minor degassing. The nuances on the degassing spectrum displayed by these volcanoes make them very valuable for fundamental research.
Click on each image to view them in the gallery below.
Lab Volcano Facilities
Lab Volcano Facilities
The purpose of the Lab Volcanoes is to understand the timing, rates and other details of the magma supply of different volcanoes, in order to improve forecasts of future eruptions. To this end, laboratory volcanoes display very diverse monitoring tools that provide a constant flow of data.
EOS has developed volcano laboratories at Mayon (Southeast Luzon, Philippines) and Gede-Salak (West Java, Indonesia). These volcanoes span a wide range of degassing behaviours: Mayon is an openly degassing volcano, while Gede and Salak exhibit only minor degassing. The nuances on the degassing spectrum displayed by these volcanoes make them very valuable for fundamental research.
Click on each image to view them in the gallery below.
Fieldwork Blog
EOS and CVGHM Celebrate a Decade of Collaboration
EOS and CVGHM Celebrate a Decade of Collaboration
22 Feb 2021
Last December, the Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS) celebrated the 10th anniversary of its collaboration with the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM).
Over the past decade, EOS and CVGHM have shared knowledge, expertise, and adventures through fieldwork, workshops, and publications.
"This long-term collaboration has enabled us to refine eruption histories, unravel magma storage conditions and eruption dynamics, further our understanding of related geophysical signals, and evaluate the implications in terms of hazards in one of the most populated and volcanologically active regions of the world," said Assistant Professor Caroline Bouvet de la Maisonneuve, a Principal Investigator at EOS.
Dr Hanik Humaida, Head of the Geological Disaster Technology Research and Development Center (BPPTKG), the Technical Implementation Unit under CVGHM, reflected on the progress and achievements of this partnership over the past 10 years: "...
EOS and CVGHM Celebrate a Decade of Collaboration
EOS and CVGHM Celebrate a Decade of Collaboration
22 Feb 2021
Last December, the Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS) celebrated the 10th anniversary of its collaboration with the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (CVGHM).
Over the past decade, EOS and CVGHM have shared knowledge, expertise, and adventures through fieldwork, workshops, and publications.
"This long-term collaboration has enabled us to refine eruption histories, unravel magma storage conditions and eruption dynamics, further our understanding of related geophysical signals, and evaluate the implications in terms of hazards in one of the most populated and volcanologically active regions of the world," said Assistant Professor Caroline Bouvet de la Maisonneuve, a Principal Investigator at EOS.
Dr Hanik Humaida, Head of the Geological Disaster Technology Research and Development Center (BPPTKG), the Technical Implementation Unit under CVGHM, reflected on the progress and achievements of this partnership over the past 10 years: "...
Pandemics & Natural Hazards: The Way Forward for Earth Scientists in a Global Lockdown
Pandemics & Natural Hazards: The Way Forward for Earth Scientists in a Global Lockdown
14 May 2020
Pandemics & Natural Hazards is a special series for the EOS Blog which looks at the compounding impacts of coinciding disasters. This third commentary is a contribution from EOS’ Centre for Geohazard Observations.
The daily coverage of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the media has given the public an insight into how the crisis has impacted the healthcare sector. We’ve seen footage of hospitals inundated with stricken patients, hospital staff begging for supplies, and the global race to find the medical holy grail of the moment – a COVID-19 vaccine.
But what about the other sectors of science that are not directly linked to the coronavirus? How are they coping with, even transforming in, this pandemic and the ensuing cross-border lockdowns?
The Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS), for example, is an Earth Science research institute that conducts fundamental research into natural hazards and disaster risk reduction in southeast (...
Pandemics & Natural Hazards: The Way Forward for Earth Scientists in a Global Lockdown
Pandemics & Natural Hazards: The Way Forward for Earth Scientists in a Global Lockdown
14 May 2020
Pandemics & Natural Hazards is a special series for the EOS Blog which looks at the compounding impacts of coinciding disasters. This third commentary is a contribution from EOS’ Centre for Geohazard Observations.
The daily coverage of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the media has given the public an insight into how the crisis has impacted the healthcare sector. We’ve seen footage of hospitals inundated with stricken patients, hospital staff begging for supplies, and the global race to find the medical holy grail of the moment – a COVID-19 vaccine.
But what about the other sectors of science that are not directly linked to the coronavirus? How are they coping with, even transforming in, this pandemic and the ensuing cross-border lockdowns?
The Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS), for example, is an Earth Science research institute that conducts fundamental research into natural hazards and disaster risk reduction in southeast (...
New Seismic Network Sheds Light on Myanmar’s Tectonic Activity
New Seismic Network Sheds Light on Myanmar’s Tectonic Activity
20 Nov 2017
Scientists have long known that Myammar is tectonically vulnerable. But only recently, says Dr Paramesh Banerjee, have they been able to understand the full extent of the country’s seismic activity.
This new insight is made possible by the new Myanmar Seismic Network (MSN), established earlier this year. The network comprises 30 broadband seismometers, scattered throughout the country from the northernmost Kachin state, all the way to the Tenasserim Division in the south.
Dr Banerjee, Technical Director at the Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS), led a team who built the network in collaboration with the Myanmar Earthquake Committee, and the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology in Myanmar.
The entire project took one year to complete–Dr Banerjee’s team began selecting possible sites to place the seismometers in July 2016, and the final seismometer station was constructed by July 2017.
At each of the 30 stations in the network, a high quality...
New Seismic Network Sheds Light on Myanmar’s Tectonic Activity
New Seismic Network Sheds Light on Myanmar’s Tectonic Activity
20 Nov 2017
Scientists have long known that Myammar is tectonically vulnerable. But only recently, says Dr Paramesh Banerjee, have they been able to understand the full extent of the country’s seismic activity.
This new insight is made possible by the new Myanmar Seismic Network (MSN), established earlier this year. The network comprises 30 broadband seismometers, scattered throughout the country from the northernmost Kachin state, all the way to the Tenasserim Division in the south.
Dr Banerjee, Technical Director at the Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS), led a team who built the network in collaboration with the Myanmar Earthquake Committee, and the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology in Myanmar.
The entire project took one year to complete–Dr Banerjee’s team began selecting possible sites to place the seismometers in July 2016, and the final seismometer station was constructed by July 2017.
At each of the 30 stations in the network, a high quality...
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