Network design
Seismic Network Design
In the case of a standard mine seismic network, the network design process begins with the delineation of seismic hazard districts. These districts represent zones of approximately equal seismic hazard level within the mining area. Each seismic hazard district may have different monitoring objectives and performance requirements, resulting in varying needs for sensor coverage, sensitivity, and location accuracy. The seismic network is therefore designed and installed to satisfy these differing requirements in a cost-effective and operationally practical manner. Seismic hazard districts and the associated network design should be reviewed regularly to ensure that network performance remains aligned with evolving mining layouts, production strategies, and monitoring objectives.
Network Sensitivity
Sensor density is a key factor in determining the sensitivity of a seismic monitoring network. At typical trigger level settings, the table below provides a guideline of expected network sensitivity based on sensor density. Stations per square kilometre | Approximate Sensitivity (Mine Magnitude)
0.5 | 0.7
1.0 | 0.3
2.0 | 0.0
3.0 | -0.2 Network sensitivity determines the smallest seismic events that can be reliably detected and recorded, influencing the quality of trend analysis and hazard assessment.
Location Accuracy
Location accuracy refers to the network’s ability to determine seismic source locations within an acceptable error margin. This is a fundamental design criterion for any seismic monitoring system. Location accuracy is dependent on:
In the case of a standard mine seismic network, the network design process begins with the delineation of seismic hazard districts. These districts represent zones of approximately equal seismic hazard level within the mining area. Each seismic hazard district may have different monitoring objectives and performance requirements, resulting in varying needs for sensor coverage, sensitivity, and location accuracy. The seismic network is therefore designed and installed to satisfy these differing requirements in a cost-effective and operationally practical manner. Seismic hazard districts and the associated network design should be reviewed regularly to ensure that network performance remains aligned with evolving mining layouts, production strategies, and monitoring objectives.
Network Sensitivity
Sensor density is a key factor in determining the sensitivity of a seismic monitoring network. At typical trigger level settings, the table below provides a guideline of expected network sensitivity based on sensor density. Stations per square kilometre | Approximate Sensitivity (Mine Magnitude)
0.5 | 0.7
1.0 | 0.3
2.0 | 0.0
3.0 | -0.2 Network sensitivity determines the smallest seismic events that can be reliably detected and recorded, influencing the quality of trend analysis and hazard assessment.
Location Accuracy
Location accuracy refers to the network’s ability to determine seismic source locations within an acceptable error margin. This is a fundamental design criterion for any seismic monitoring system. Location accuracy is dependent on:
- Event magnitude
- Sensor geometry and density
- Wave velocity model
- Network configuration