Applying a Hidden Markov Model-Based Event Detection and Classification Algorithm to Apollo Lunar Seismic Data

Abstract:

The seismometers that the Apollo astronauts deployed on the Moon provide the only recordings of seismic events from any extra-terrestrial body so far. These lunar events are significantly different from ones recorded on Earth, in terms of both signal shape and source processes. Thus they are a valuable test case for any experiment in planetary seismology. In this study, we analyze Apollo 16 data with a single-station event detection and classification algorithm in view of NASA's upcoming InSight mission to Mars. InSight, scheduled for launch in early 2016, has the goal to investigate Mars' internal structure by deploying a seismometer on its surface. As the mission does not feature any orbiter, continuous data will be relayed to Earth at a reduced rate. Full range data will only be available by requesting specific time-windows within a few days after the receipt of the original transmission. We apply a recently introduced algorithm based on hidden Markov models that requires only a single example waveform of each event class for training appropriate models. After constructing the prototypes we detect and classify impacts and deep and shallow moonquakes. Initial results for 1972 (year of station installation with 8 months of data) indicate a high detection rate of over 95% for impacts, of which more than 80% are classified correctly. Deep moonquakes, which occur in large amounts, but often show only very weak signals, are detected with less certainty (~70%). As there is only one weak shallow moonquake covered, results for this event class are not statistically significant. Daily adjustments of the background noise model help to reduce false alarms, which are mainly erroneous deep moonquake detections, by about 25%. The algorithm enables us to classify events that were previously listed in the catalog without classification, and, through the combined use of long period and short period data, identify some unlisted local impacts as well as at least two yet unreported deep moonquakes.