Tbilisi State University Extremely Low Frequency Radiation Research Net (ELFTSU Net)

Abstract

A new instrument had been developed for observation of extremely low frequency (ELF, 300–3000 Hz) radio emission from natural sources related to seismic activity. We improve the design used for decades at Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory. This equipment was designed to study ELF earthquake precursors. We discuss the advantage to use the frequency of observations below the critical frequency of the ionosphere. The monitoring of the state of tectonic faults system in Caucasus requires dense network of stations equipped by identical, standardized receivers. Tbilisi State University Extremely Low Frequency Radiation Research Net (ELFTSU Net) is a project of Electrical and Electronics Engineering students. Students take part in the design and in the testing, also in the process of preparing documentation and models for its industrial production. The student expedition has collected various data of phenomena. These data are compared with the level of urban electromagnetic background. We have developed the modular concept of standard observation station which provides the possibility to choose the most convenient configuration required by the specific characteristics of the fault and the operating and maintenance conditions. The station is completely autonomous, can accumulate and transmit data and have significantly improved noise characteristics.