Troubleshooting SeisComP: Picks Detected but No Events in the Catalog

SeisComP is a powerful software package for seismological data acquisition, processing, and analysis. However, sometimes you might encounter an issue where SeisComP detects picks but no events appear in the catalog. This can be frustrating, but there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix this issue.

1. Verify the SeisComP Configuration

Check global.cfg

The first step is to ensure your global.cfg configuration file is correctly set up. Pay close attention to parameters related to event detection and association. Here are some typical settings to verify:

• Picker Configuration:

  picker.detecStream = ...

• Event Detection Settings:

  detector.triggerStations = ...
  detector.minimumTriggerStations = ...

• Associator Configuration:

  associator.enable = true

Check Module-Specific Configurations

Make sure the configurations for modules like scautopick, scanloc, and scautoloc are correctly set:

scautopick.cfg

scautopick.phaseName = P
scautopick.minThreshold = 3.0

scanloc.cfg

scanloc.triggerSeconds = 10
scanloc.bindSeconds = 30

scautoloc.cfg

scautoloc.associator.minimumPicksPerStation = 3
scautoloc.associator.minimumStationsPerEvent = 4

2. Ensure All Necessary Modules Are Running

Verify that the key SeisComP modules responsible for pick detection, association, and event creation are running. You can do this by starting the modules:

seiscomp start scautopick
seiscomp start scanloc
seiscomp start scautoloc

3. Review Logs for Errors

Examine the log files for each module to identify any errors or warnings that might explain why events are not being created. Log files are typically found in the $SEISCOMP_ROOT/var/log directory.

Example:

less $SEISCOMP_ROOT/var/log/scautopick.log
less $SEISCOMP_ROOT/var/log/scanloc.log
less $SEISCOMP_ROOT/var/log/scautoloc.log

4. Validate Network and Station Configuration

Ensure that all the seismic stations in your network are correctly configured and that their metadata is properly loaded into SeisComP. Use the seiscomp check command to validate the configuration:

seiscomp check

5. Adjust Detection and Association Parameters

You may need to fine-tune the detection and association parameters to better suit your network and seismicity. For example, you might need to lower the thresholds or adjust the minimum number of stations required to form an event.

Example Adjustments:

• Lowering the minimum number of trigger stations:

  detector.minimumTriggerStations = 3

• Reducing the picker threshold:

  scautopick.minThreshold = 2.5

6. Manually Review Picks

Use the Scolv tool to manually review picks and check if they are correctly detected and associated. This can help you identify any discrepancies or issues in the automated process.

Launch Scolv:

scolv

7. Database Connection and Permissions

Ensure that SeisComP has the necessary permissions to write events to the database and that the database connection is configured correctly. Verify your database settings in global.cfg:

Example:

database.archive = mysql://user:password@host/database
database.events = mysql://user:password@host/database

Conclusion

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify and fix the issue causing SeisComP to detect picks but not create events in the catalog. Proper configuration, module management, and parameter adjustments are key to ensuring that SeisComP operates effectively.

If you continue to experience issues, consider reaching out to SeisComP support or the user community for further assistance.

We hope you found this guide helpful. For more tips and guides on using SeisComP and other seismological tools, stay tuned to our blog. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to our support team. Happy seismographing!

About QuakeLogic

QuakeLogic located in northern California is a leading provider of advanced seismic monitoring solutions, offering a range of products and services designed to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of seismic data acquisition and analysis. Our innovative technologies and expert support help organizations worldwide to better understand and mitigate the impacts of seismic events.

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