21-8 Seismic Detection of Hydrodynamic Signals: Low-Cost Sensor Applications for River Discharge

Session: Functions of River Corridors, Floodplains and Wetlands (Posters)

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This research examines how affordable seismic sensors can be used to monitor river discharge by analyzing the seismic signals generated by flowing water. Traditional discharge monitoring methods are often expensive, and many streamflow gauging stations in Rhode Island and across the U.S. have been removed due to funding and maintenance limitations, creating spatial and temporal gaps in hydrologic data. To help fill these gaps, we explore whether low-cost seismic sensors can serve as a sustainable alternative for continuous streamflow monitoring. By addressing the limitations of traditional methods, this research focuses on how low-cost seismic tools can enhance our understanding of hydrological systems and support sustainable water resource management. Our approach combines continuous seismic data collection with a seismic sensor (TROMINO), signal processing and visualization in Python/Google Colab, and hydrological data from USGS StreamStats for comparison and validation, along with other environmental data. Frequency-domain analysis is used to identify seismic signatures associated with river discharge, while temporal and spectral filtering help isolate and minimize noise. We also work toward calibrating discharge estimates derived from TROMINO data against hydrologic measurements to evaluate this technique. Overall, this study aims to demonstrate a cost-effective, accessible method for monitoring river systems. The findings have potential implications for sustainable water-resource management, flood monitoring, and improving our understanding of river hydrodynamics, while highlighting the broader feasibility of using low-cost seismic technology in hydrological applications.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 2, 2026

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