Grant: Major Facilities Access Grants

POLARIS (Portable Observatories for Lithospheric Analysis and Research Investigating Seismicity) is a multi-institutional research infrastructure that consists of satellite-telemetry arrays of portable geophysical observatories.  These observatories provide scientists with unprecedented opportunities to "see" deep into the Earth's interior, enabling the study of earth structure and dynamics, and improving our knowledge of earthquake and geomagnetic hazards across Canada.  POLARIS deployments include 100 satellite-linked broadband seismograph systems, 10 with continuous-recording magnetotelloric (MT) devices, plus an inventory of more than 70 portable MT and seismic observatories for campaign-style investigations.  These systems record ground motions and electromagnetic signals that reveal the geophysical characteristics of Earth's interior. Data from POLARIS observatories are transmitted via satellite to acquisition hubs in London (Canada) and Ottawa, where they are made available in near real-time to researchers across Canada. The improved imaging capability of POLARIS, combined with innovative interpretive techniques, lays the groundwork for breakthroughs and significant economic benefits for Canada in several geoscience disciplines. Our fledgling diamond industry, already adding millions of dollars to the national economy per year, takes an interest in POLARIS since diamonds are formed in the deep roots of continents; a clearer understanding of their journey to the surface could have economic implications in the multi-billion dollar range.  Potential losses in the event of a large earthquake near a major urban centre in Canada could have a similar economic impact, not to mention the potential loss of life. Dangers are significantly reduced through knowledge of earthquake risk, a prerequisite for mitigation. Because ground motions are monitored in near-real time, information on earthquake motions and damage potential is available within minutes of an earthquake occurrence.