Analysis of man-made signals recorded at a temporary seismograph station at the Jang Bogo Station, Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica

The characteristics of man-made signals were identified by analyzing the records of a temporary seismograph station installed at the Jang Bogo Station in Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica. during the activities of the second overwinter party. The records were from March 8, 2015, when the icebreaker Araon was anchored near the isolated station to provide necessary supplies and winter personnel change. While the Araon was in the anchorage, various man-made signals were generated at the station. Representative sources of such signals include machinery such as generators essential to operate the station and the Araon as well as helicopters and vehicles that transport personnel and materials. Since the machinery uses engine or motor, they generate signals at specific frequency bands. Characteristics of such man-made signals were identified from seismic records. They were then compared to the frequency bands of signals that could be calculated using the specifications of known mechanical devices. The signal computed for each device was an exact match for the signal observed, and could be used to obtain information about the operating times, movements, and paths of the sources. Thus, these results showed that seismic records can be used to investigate the causes of man-made signals.