Infrasonitus: infrasounds array monitoring system
Infrasound description with fiber-optic data transmission, suitable for monitoring volcanic activity (see the applications section). The system consists of an 8-channel receiver station, which collects data from eight low-power sensor nodes that measure the following parameters:
The infrasonic signal, captured by a dedicated microphone, is filtered by a fifth-order active low-pass filter with a cutoff frequency of 20 Hz and low noise. It is then sampled and acquired by a 16-bit ADC at a rate of 50 samples per second. The amplification factor can be set to 0.1/0.5/1/10.
The infrasonic monitoring system includes a complete diagnostic functionality that performs a thorough functional test without the need for additional tools—especially useful when the system is installed at high altitudes on a volcano. The diagnostic system provides information on the integrity of the fiber optics used for communication and the battery charge status of each connected sensor node. An important feature of the system is the low energy consumption of each node, allowing continuous data acquisition for over a year using a single 60Ah lead-acid battery.
Each sensor node transmits data to the central receiving station via fiber optics, ensuring high SNR and protecting the network from hazardous atmospheric phenomena such as lightning. This solution electrically isolates each node from the others, ensuring the system functions correctly even if one or more nodes fail.
Infrasound
Infrasound refers to low-frequency sound waves, ranging from the lower limit of sounds audible to the human ear, around 16 or 17 Hz, down to 0.001 Hz. Infrasound can travel over long distances and bypass obstacles with minimal attenuation. Earthquakes, by shaking the air in contact with the ground, generate infrasonic waves originating from the quake’s epicenter. Volcanoes produce intense infrasonic waves, and strong ocean storms create infrasound through the disturbance of the air above by sea waves.
The first recorded observation of naturally generated infrasonic waves likely occurred in 1883 following the eruption of Krakatoa. On that occasion, infrasonic waves circled the planet at least seven times, as recorded by barometers worldwide. Infrasonic waves can have natural origins, such as avalanches, earthquakes, volcanic activity, ocean waves, and meteorites, but they can also be generated by human activities, including chemical and nuclear explosions.
Instrument Management and Data Acquisition Software
Infrasonitus includes highly user-friendly software for infrasonic data acquisition. The data acquisition process can be quickly and easily controlled. Acquired data can be saved in an Excel-compatible format, and graphs can be saved as Bitmap images.
BioAge develops instruments and writes software only after carefully listening to the needs and requirements of end-users, aiming to create products that are easy to use and include all the features and functions that users expect.
Infrasound: Typical Sources and Applications
Volcanic Activity
Volcanoes emit intense infrasonic energy pulses in pre-eruptive phases. Once acquired and processed in real-time, these signals provide valuable information regarding the origin and intensity of volcanic activity.
Meteorite Detection
Meteorites generate infrasonic waves when they enter Earth’s atmosphere.
Avalanche Monitoring
Before an avalanche occurs, infrasonic waves are emitted, likely generated by deep-layer snow movements.
Nuclear Explosions
Nuclear tests, whether underground or underwater, produce intense infrasonic waves that can be detected.
Aircraft Flights and Missile Launches
These events generate infrasonic waves that can be detected over large distances, providing useful information.
Earthquakes, Tornadoes, and Fires
All are sources of infrasonic waves that can travel over long distances.
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