The Quake Catcher Network is currently in the preliminary investigation phase. We've been working hard to ensure that there are no road blocks in the way of full QCN development. The following are just a few of the ways we've ensured that the QCN will be a success:
Preliminary algorithms for client- and server-side programs have developed and tested with real data.
A 3-year plan with milestones has been agreed upon with a start date of January 1st, 2008.
Dr. Cochran and Dr. Lawrence requested funding from NSF for the development of the the QCN cyberinfrastructure as a scientific and education and outreach tool.
Dr. Cochran requested funding from SCEC for testing our new significance level filter that uses statistical analysis to determine to what confidence level an emerging signal is not prepresentative of the long-term average. Initial tests show that the method better accounts for variable noise at different stations than do other methods such as the LTA/STA trigger detection algorithm.
Dr. Lawrence developed a preliminary QCN website.
| Phase | Timing | Description |
| (Months) | ||
| Investigation | -12 - 0 | This phase focuses on determining what must be done and how feasible the project is. |
| Development | 0 - 6 | This phase will focus on integrating the distributed processing package with the sensor monitoring software, integrating the event detection algorithms, and developing USB sensors. |
| Alpha Testing | 6-12 | This phase will focus on testing and improving the client-server software and USB sensors at both QCN facilities. |
| Beta Testing | 12 - 18 | We will provide a limited release of the software and install a few USB sensors in K-12 schools for to interested individuals to troubleshoot unforeseen problems associated with network expansion prior to the full release. |
| Expansion | 18 - 24 | We plan to expand the network to 500-1000 laptop sensors and 150-200 USB sensors through press releases, teacher conferences, and direct contact with teachers. |
| Monitoring | 24 - 36 | We will monitor the scientific and educational impact of the project through a series of surveys. |
We are still in the preliminary stages of this experiment, yet we've made
significant headway in a relatively short time. Over the past few months, Dr. Cochran and Dr. Lawrence have been developing the
base algorithms that will be used in the QCN client- and server software.
Preliminary algorithms are developed for:
Client-side monitoring of the Sudden Motion Sensors in Macintosh laptops at a highly accurate sampling rate. A single client version of the software is currently running on a Mac laptop near UC Riverside. This stand-alon package will soon be available for download.
Client-side continuous rapid determination of the significance level of an emerging signal based on the standard deviation of the previous signal (assumed to be noise),
Client-side displays of the 3 directional accelerations in real time as well as the running significance level and markers for trigger times.
Server-side event verification software that determines whether the distribution of triggers is anomalously high.
The new eathquake server room at UC Riverside is nearly complete (August, 2007).
Initial negotiations with several venders for compact accelerometers that can be used in our USB sensors (August, 2007).
The dual QCN websites at Riverside and Stanford have grown from nothing to educational resources of their own.
Discussions with several educators and education experts have been useful for determining the best approaches for our education outreach goals.