Development and Validation of a Low-Cost Seismic Data Acquisition System

Thesis Abstract

The high costs associated with traditional seismic data acquisition systems have limited extensive geophysical investigations, especially in resource-constrained regions, hindering the development of local seismic monitoring and hazard assessment initiatives. This study aims to develop and validate a low-cost, reliable seismic data acquisition system tailored for geophysical research and earthquake monitoring. The specific objectives are to design an affordable seismic data collection hardware platform, implement an effective data logging and transmission protocol, and evaluate the system’s performance against standard commercial devices in terms of sensitivity, accuracy, and durability. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative design and development processes with quantitative validation techniques. The study population comprises 50 geophysical field stations, including 30 prototype systems developed through iterative engineering design, and 20 commercial reference units for benchmarking. Data collection instruments include custom-built seismic sensors with MEMS accelerometers, open-source microcontroller-based data loggers, and software tools for data acquisition, storage, and analysis. Performance validation involves real-world field tests conducted across five seismic zones, where the prototype system’s data outputs are compared with those from established commercial systems. Data analysis adopts statistical techniques such as Bland-Altman analysis and paired t-tests to assess agreement and accuracy, while reliability testing involves calculating the system’s sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio, and response stability over a six-month period. Preliminary findings suggest that the developed low-cost seismic system achieves comparable sensitivity levels to commercial units, with a mean difference of 0.02 g in acceleration measurements (p > 0.05). The device demonstrates high reliability, with consistent readings over multiple vibration events and minimal data loss. The innovative integration of MEMS sensors with open-source hardware and software has resulted in a device capable of capturing high-fidelity seismic signals at approximately 35% of the cost of traditional systems. Further analysis indicates that the system’s simplified architecture enhances ease of deployment and maintenance, making it suitable for widespread use in seismic hazard zones with limited technical resources. This research contributes novel insights into cost-effective seismic instrumentation development, bridging the gap between affordability and data quality in resource-limited settings. The study’s findings validate that low-cost seismic data acquisition systems can meet the technical standards required for meaningful geophysical research, thereby opening avenues for expanded seismic monitoring networks, early warning systems, and community-based hazard assessment initiatives. The theoretical foundation of the study is grounded in sensor fusion theory and system reliability models, aligned with the Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Theory which emphasizes balancing performance with economic feasibility. The main conclusion underscores that carefully engineered low-cost seismic systems can significantly enhance accessibility to geophysical data collection without compromising accuracy and reliability. Based on these findings, it is recommended that further research focus on integrating wireless communication modules for real-time data transmission, expanding the sensor array to improve spatial resolution, and exploring energy-efficient power solutions to support remote deployments. Implementing standardized calibration protocols and sharing open-source design schematics are also suggested to facilitate broader adoption and collaborative improvement of such systems. Overall, this study advances the field of geophysical instrumentation by demonstrating that innovative, affordable technologies can effectively support seismic monitoring and research efforts worldwide, especially in underserved regions.