The International
Seismological Community recognizes the new opportunities
within its field for improved understanding of the internal
structure and dynamical properties of the Earth provided
by seismograph network technology.
It also recognizes that rapid access to seismic data networks of modern broad-band
digital instruments wherever they might be is now possible.
The developments include greatly improved broad-band seismographic systems that
capture the entire seismic wave field with high fidelity, efficient and economical
data communications and storage and widely available, powerful computing facilities.
The federation is open to all organisations committed to the deployment
of broad-band seismographs and organisations involved in management of data from
digital seismograph networks, willing to contribute to the establishment of an
optimum global system with open and timely data exchange.
I. Goals
In view of the above and to take advantage of existing and
developing global and regional networks the “International
Federation of Digital Seismograph Networks (FDSN)” provides
a forum for:
- developing common minimum standards in seismographs (e.g.
bandwidth) and recording characteristics (e.g. resolution
and dynamic range);
- developing standards for quality control and procedures
for archiving and exchange of data among component networks;
- coordinating the siting of stations in locations that
will provide optimum coverage;
- pursuing free and open access to data;
- improving access to data in real-time.
II. Institutional Frame
The Federation is an independent international association
and has commission status within the International Association
for Seismology and Physics of the Earth’s Interior
(IASPEI).
III. Membership and Organization
- Membership in the FDSN is open to national and international
organisations committed to both the development and operation
of the broad-band digital networks as well as organisations
involved in management of data from digital seismograph
networks consistent with the goals of the Federation.
It is required that each network member will contribute
digital waveform data, preferably in real time, from
at least one station to the FDSN Archive for Continuous
Data as well as to appropriate FDSN Regional Data Centers.
- The structure of the FDSN includes a steering committee
and an executive committee.
- The members of the FDSN steering committee will consist
of one representative per member organisation who will
be appointed or selected from within the organization
they represent.
- The members of the FDSN steering committee elect an
FDSN executive committee. The executive committee will
coordinate the activities of the Federation between meetings
and is responsible for the organization and coordination
of the steering committee meetings. Members of the FDSN
executive committee are elected for a four-year term.
- The FDSN executive committee is headed by a chair,
who will be assisted by a secretary and the chairs of
all FDSN working groups. The chair of the executive committee
will preside over the meetings of the steering committee.
Members of the executive committee shall be elected from
within the steering committee or the member organizations.
Elections take place during steering committee meetings.
- The FDSN steering committee will form all necessary
working groups or special technical committees as required
to achieve the objectives of the FDSN. Each working group
or special technical committee is headed by a chair.
- The FDSN steering committee will deliberate at least
once every two years. Special meetings may be called
by the chair as necessary for the progress of the FDSN.
- Concerning all recommendations made and actions to
be taken, each steering committee member of the FDSN
will have one vote. A majority of 2/3 voting members
will be required for an affirmative vote. Five
members of the FDSN will constitute a quorum for FDSN
steering committee meetings.
- No fees are imposed but voluntary contributions may
be requested to cover costs for communications and for
organisation of FDSN meetings.
- Any member may resign six weeks after giving written
notice to the chair.
updated 04.07.2011