From January 17th to 19th, 2024, the members of the DuFAULT project research team, Josip Stipčević and Marin Sečanj conducted a regular inspection, maintenance and repair of the Du-Net local seismic network stations in the wider Dubrovnik area, which were installed within the HRZZ project DuFAULT. The team visited four temporary seismic stations:
- DF01 – Ljubinje (BA)
- DF02 – Bileća (BA)
- DF04 – Radovčići (near Cavtat)
- DF06 – Maranovići (Island of Mljet)
At these temporary seismic stations, all installations and devices were checked and a backup of recorded data was created. At the DF04 station (Radovčići, near Cavtat), communication issues with the main server in Zagreb were resolved. The DF01 station (Ljubinje, BA) had a power supply issue and upon investigation, it was found that the problem was a disrupted power connection to the solar panel. After an extensive repair, the power supply from the solar collector was restored and the instrument successfully resumed operation, establishing a connection with the main server in Zagreb. Following the repair of the Ljubinje station, the DF02 station (Bileća, BA) was inspected and a backup of recorded data was created. Upon arrival at the DF06 station (Maranovići, Island of Mljet), an issue with the power supply was identified. A detailed inspection revealed a malfunction in the main power supply at the distribution box in the Croatian Post building. Unfortunately, this problem could not be fixed in a short period and the Mljet seismic station will not operate until the issue is resolved.
The fieldwork was very interesting and challenging due to diverse weather conditions experienced by the field team. Over the course of several days, the weather changed from warm and stable to strong winds with rain, eventually leading to stormy weather accompanied by snow.
Regular maintenance and repairs ensure the continuous transmission of data from temporary seismic stations to the main server located in Zagreb at the Andrija Mohorovičić Geophysical Institute, Faculty of Science. Continuous communication and data transmission from the stations are crucial for verifying data quality, enabling analysis and quickly locating recorded earthquakes.