To study seismic activity,NGRI sets up six centres in state

NGRI scientists will record changes in the thickness of earth sediments on parameters of time and distance,amplifications of shakes in the earth layers during earthquakes and its impact on life in the region over the next three years.

This is second phase of an ongoing study.

In the first phase,similar observatories were set up at Kanpur,Hardoi,Shahjahanpur,Bisalpur,Hamirpur,Mahoba and Lucknow,of which the one located at Lucknow University is still working.

“We will now assess these seismic records and assign the level of seismicity of particular areas. With data collected,we will be able to presume the maximum and minimum intensity of earthquake possible in any particular area,” said Dr Srinagesh,NGRI scientist who is heading the project.

He said the project of monitoring seismic activities in the Indo-Gangetic plains was started three years ago.

The project,being funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences,will record every change that will occur inside the earth within a radius of 50 kilometres,said Srinagesh.

Each month scientists will visit the observatories and carry the data to NGRI for analysis. NGRI scientists will take help of local geologists to monitor the functioning of these observatories.

All these observatories have been installed within the premises of educational institutions. On Saturday,the observatory at Aligarh Muslim University became operational.

Dr Srinagesh said,“For observatory site,we prefer education institutions as it helps in spreading awareness among students.”

Dr Sahdaba Khursheed,Head of Geology Department at AMU added: “In the past two years,Aligarh and nearby areas have recorded minor shocks. By monitoring through this observatory,we will be able to alert the public. It will also help geology students learn more about earthquakes.”

The set-up of each observatory comprises a broadband seismometer,recorder and GPS. It is powered by a battery in order to run continuously.

The battery is charged by solar as well as regulated power supply in order to ensure continuous recording of earthquakes.