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Albuquerque Seismological Laboratory Strategic Vision

Circular 1563
Global Seismographic Network Program and Earthquake Hazards Program
By: , , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/cir1563

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Abstract

This circular presents a strategic outlook for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Albuquerque Seismological Laboratory (ASL) for the next 10 years (2026–36). The ASL is a USGS field office in the Geological Hazards Science Center that operates portions of the Advanced National Seismic System and the Global Seismographic Network and focuses on fundamental research for instrumentation testing and data quality. The strategic outlook is categorized into two types of tasks: “Foundational Tasks” and “Aspirational Tasks.” Foundational Tasks are those that maintain the laboratory’s basic operations and services, including regional and global seismic monitoring, improving data quality, and providing instrument testing and support. A suite of Aspirational Tasks is also articulated; these can be considered priority targets of ASL that could improve ASL’s seismic monitoring capabilities and mission. Such tasks include improvements to remote stations, testing capabilities of nonseismic geophysical instruments, detection threshold monitoring, rapid aftershock deployments, and expanding seismic monitoring networks. This report was written with input from the USGS Geological Hazards Science Center, the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program (EHP), and colleagues with an interest in the work done by the ASL. Although the details of these tasks may change, this document can provide guidance on the overarching tasks at the ASL from 2026 to 2036 and an overview of the various components of the ASL and how they fit into the EHP and the Global Seismographic Network Program.

Plain Language Summary

The Albuquerque National Laboratory is a U.S. Geological Survey field office in the Geological Hazards Science Center that operates portions of the Advanced National Seismic System and the Global Seismographic Network and focuses on fundamental research for instrumentation testing and data quality. These seismic networks provide the data used by the U.S. Geological Survey to meet the needs of earthquake monitoring within the multiagency National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program. This report highlights the key priorities of the Albuquerque National Laboratory during the next ten years (2026–36) and indicates where the laboratory could focus efforts to improve earthquake monitoring.

Suggested Citation

Ringler, A.T., Wilson, D.C., Anthony, R., Beutel, C.I., Holcomb, A., Hutt, C.R., and Telesha, T., 2026, Albuquerque Seismological Laboratory strategic vision: U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1563, 23 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/cir1563.

ISSN: 2330-5703 (online)

ISSN: 1067-084X (print)

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Plain Language Summary
  • Introduction
  • Purpose and Scope
  • List of Foundational Priorities
  • List of Aspirational Priorities
  • Summary
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Albuquerque Seismological Laboratory strategic vision
Series title Circular
Series number 1563
DOI 10.3133/cir1563
Publication Date April 13, 2026
Year Published 2026
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston VA
Contributing office(s) Geologic Hazards Science Center
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional publication details