As part of the U.S. Global Seismic Network, a new seismic station has been set up in Uzbekistan's Karasai region, outside Jizzakh City, Daryo correspondent reports.
The station is state-of-the-art and part of the U.S. Global Seismic Network, which includes over 150 stations worldwide.
The facility was inaugurated by U.S. Ambassador Jonathan Henick and the Deputy Minister of MES, Muhitdinov Muhtar, who cut a ribbon to mark the occasion on May 3. The U.S. Government funded the station, which will be maintained with help from the United States National Science Foundation and maintenance and training from UCSD's International Deployment of Accelerometers Program. The station's data is publicly available on a website for scientists, engineers, students, and the general public to access.
'Michigan State University is also working to install a seismology education station. It's going to be located in Chatkal Mountains. A few weeks ago, we had experts from the United States who consulted with their Uzbek counterparts to look specifically at construction standards and earthquake safety. So, the relationship between American and Uzbek scientists is mutually beneficial. Also, it ensures that we continue to look for benefits to the people to save lives, as we've seen today. As well as to encourage future generations of scientists to continue their work', U.S. Ambassador Jonathan Henick told media.
According to Robert Mellors, a researcher at the University of California, San Diego, 'There are only three seismic sensors of such a scale that measure the motion of the ground. These sensors are placed on a concrete pier directly attached to the rock. So when there are waves, like those from an earthquake or even a bulldozer or people walking, the rock moves slightly, sending an electronic signal down the cable to the equipment in the recording room. The recorded data is then transferred to a computer and can be accessed online worldwide, including in Tashkent'.
'I'm happy to report that the station is up and running smoothly. It's in a prime location, which is a credit to the design and the Ministry of Emergency Situations. It's also exciting to see the collaboration between the U.S. and Uzbekistan in this field. This marks an important first step towards obtaining basic data', the scholar added.
Since the project began in late 2020, there has been an increase in seismic exchange between the United States and Uzbekistan.
Talking to Daryo's correspondent, Robert Mellorts admitted some challenges were proceeding with the project.
'There are always challenges trying to find out how to get equipment, ship equipment in, and understand timing and schedule. The coronavirus pandemic was a huge challenge. For example, we had a schedule all set up, and then COVID happened. And of course, we can't travel. We have to do everything via Zoom. And so, when COVID ended, I managed to make a trip here, and that was when we proceeded on the project', he said.
Additionally, the Embassy has supported the development of an educational exchange program in seismology between Michigan State University and the National University of Uzbekistan. This project aims to teach young Uzbek scientists about seismology and allow them to operate the station.
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