Integrated seismo-geodetic observatory network for monitoring the Lembang Fault, West Java, Indonesia

The Lembang Fault is a major geological feature in West Java that borders the northern edge of Bandung (one of Indonesia’s largest cities). It lies just south of the active Tangkuban Perahu Volcano, exhibiting clear geomorphic signs of recent activity, and has been scientifically confirmed as active through geological and geophysical studies. In this work, we describe an Integrated along the Lembang Fault, which can be used for geodynamic research in Indonesia. We discuss the design of a seismic and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) array sensor network for continuous monitoring, and report the status of monitoring stations that periodically collect highly accurate, continuous seismographic and GNSS readings, transmitting these data to a central server in Bandung for post-processing. Solutions from the array data are used to provide precise measurements of the deformation of the Earth’s surface over large distances, allowing for spatio-temporal tracking of tectonic movement, and resulting in a better understanding of seismic events in the region. In this study, our investigation revealed a significant compression rate of an estimated 13 microstrain/yr along the Lembang Fault, whereas the strain rate is much smaller farther south of the fault. This study presents the design of a seismo-geodetic observatory network that can be implemented in earthquake-prone regions for mitigation purposes, with particular utility for studying other active faults that also traverse populated areas in Indonesia.