3H (2026-2026): Pilot nodal deployment for ambient noise studies in the Delaware Basin

• New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

The northern Delaware Basin in southeastern New Mexico exhibits the highest seismicity rates in the state and faces a growing risk of induced earthquakes. Although recent studies from the Texas state network have produced high-resolution seismic velocity models for the broader Permian Basin, the shallow crustal velocity model for southeastern New Mexico still lacks the resolution necessary for reliable earthquake detection and location. To address this gap, we aim to develop a high-resolution 3D shear-wave velocity model for the northern Delaware Basin using ambient noise data collected from a dense array of seismic nodes and existing broadband stations. We plan to initiate a pilot study focused on a small area by installing a temporary array of 200 nodes, consisting of two dense linear arrays with ~70 nodes (2km spacing) and 130 nodes (3km spacing), to fill the background array. The array will be operated for one month during the summer of 2026, either near the New Mexico–Texas state line (County Line Seismicity Response Area) or in the vicinity of the city of Jal (Jal Seismicity Response Area). Our pilot study will help us better understand the need for dense arrays and address existing station gaps in this high-seismicity region. The dense nodal array is crucial for detecting fine-scale variations in ambient noise and refining the basin’s shallow crustal seismic velocity model. A more detailed and improved velocity model will facilitate more accurate earthquake location estimates, particularly for events occurring at shallow crustal depths. The improved depth resolution will enable researchers, regulators, and operators to better understand the seismicity in this area and make more informed decisions. We also plan to archive the data at the data management center and make it publicly available after a certain period, ensuring that primary researchers can access it to complete their research.

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