Discrimination of Seismic Signals in UGM Antenna Station Recordings at Merapi Volcano Using a Remote Seismic Array: Beamforming and FK Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2026.11419Keywords:
Merapi Volcano, Seismic, Detection, Remote, Monitoring, Merapi Volcano, Seismic, Detection, Remote and monitoringAbstract
Effective volcano monitoring is crucial for hazard mitigation and early warning systems. This study presents a monitoring system for Merapi Volcano using 5 remote seismic stations equipped with low-cost Raspberry Shake and Boom sensors, aiming to offer an affordable alternative to conventional local monitoring networks. The objective was to evaluate the capability of the UGM (Universitas Gadjah Mada) Antenna Station Array (UAA) to detect and classify tectonic and volcanic seismic activity. The system has been operational since July 2023; however, data from only 16 August to 12 September 2023 were analysed because of initial calibration challenges affecting data reliability, mainly due to environmental and power-related factors. This study presents a pilot-scale demonstration of a low-cost remote seismic array deployed at the Merapi Volcano. Using STA/LTA detection, beamforming, and FK analysis, 376 events were identified within a 28-day dataset (August 16 - September 12, 2023). Although the short temporal coverage prevents robust statistical analysis of long-term volcanic behaviour, the results highlight the feasibility of classifying volcanic versus tectonic events from a distance of 16 km. The limitations include suboptimal array geometry, environmental calibration challenges, and a relatively high false alarm rate, underscoring the need for extended monitoring campaigns, multimodal validation, and improved signal classification. Preliminary classification was performed through comparative spectral and directional analyses. Despite the short monitoring window, results indicate the potential for focused short-term deployment to capture representative seismic behaviour during periods of increased activity. However, the limited duration does not preclude long-term trend analysis, and longer monitoring is needed to identify seasonal patterns and early signs of eruption. These findings demonstrate the potential of low-cost arrays as complementary monitoring tools in resource-limited volcanic regions, particularly for redundancy in national early warning systems.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Remote stations using low-cost sensors can detect Merapi’s volcanic activity from 16 km away.
- Volcanic and earthquake events were successfully distinguished using signal direction and pattern analysis.
- This system offers a practical early warning tool for volcanoes lacking local monitoring equipment.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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