This page describes the steps necessary to start transmitting your Flexible Array data to the IRIS PASSCAL Instrument Center (PIC) for archiving with the IRIS DMC. Specifically this page addresses passive seismic experiments recording data on-site. For realtime data instructions see Realtime Flexible Array Experiments.
IRIS PASSCAL is responsible for archiving all EarthScope funded Flexible Array experiment data with the IRIS DMC. Although PASSCAL is responsible for the data archiving, the process of gathering data and metadata, quality control, and verifying data completeness is a shared responsibility between PIC staff and the PI(s). The steps below will get you started with your data archiving.
That you are running the most recent PASSCAL software package for your platform (see Software Resources).
Contact PASSCAL
Contact the PIC Data Group (data_group [at] passcal [dot] nmt [dot] edu) to initiate your data submission.
Training
PASSCAL requires the PI and key experiment personnel to have proper training on the recording instruments and the field computers. Even if you have recently had an active experiment, we recommend a refresher to learn about changes to software, hardware and recommended field procedures. Part of your training will include an introduction to Antelope and a general overview of network state-of-health monitoring.You can request training here.
Backup Your Raw Data
You will be sending your data to the PIC via mail or other delivery service. Make sure you keep a backup.
Send Your Raw Data and Metadata to PASSCAL
Data can be sent to PASSCAL on external hard drives (please ask PASSCAL if you need one from us), CD’s, or DVD’s.
Please mail raw data with description of the content to: IRIS/PASSCAL 100 East Road Socorro, NM 87801 Attn: Data Group Experiment name: Name of your experiment
Identify An Open Station
All broadband experiments with 5 or more stations must identify at least one station to be unrestricted (open). These open stations will become part of the IRIS PASSCAL Unrestricted Stations Virtual Network.
Collecting Your Metadata
PASSCAL staff work closely with PIs to acquire necessary and accurate metadata in order to have a complete description of the network (realtime and standalone stations).
Information Needed for Complete Metedata:
Network code: Two (2) alphabetical characters assigned by DMC at start of deployment.
Station name: Up to five (5) alphanumeric characters; no special characters allowed
Location: Latitude, longitude and elevation
Station Long Name: A long, descriptive name for the station
Start Time for configuration: Make sure the start time is exactly the same or earlier than the first trace sample for each station
Datalogger code: the type of datalogger you used for the station
Datalogger Serial Number
Sensor Type: Type of sensor for each station.
Sensor Serial Number
Sensor Orientation - (see description from the Antelope man page for db)
Sample rate(s)
Channel Description: MSEED channel names are defined by the sample rate and sensor type
Instrument (i.e. sensor) type, and channel orientation.
Close Time: When the experiment ends or this configuration changes
Maintain Accurate Metadata
After each service the PI(s) must provide to the PIC any changes to the network configuration. Examples include: changes to sample rate, datalogger or sensor swaps, and stations commissioned or decommission.
