Centro Sismológico Nacional CSN Universidad de Chile

History and Founding

The Centro Sismológico Nacional (CSN) of the University of Chile traces its origins to the Chilean Seismological Service, established on May 1, 1908, in response to the devastating 1906 Valparaíso Earthquake. Its first director was Fernand de Montessus de Ballore, a former French army commander and amateur seismologist. The service was placed under the University of Chile's Department of Geophysics in 1927. On December 28, 2012, a Collaboration Agreement between the Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences (FCFM) and the National Emergency Office (ONEMI) came into effect, and the institution was officially renamed Centro Sismológico Nacional in 2013.

Collections and Holdings

The CSN operates Chile's National Seismological Network (Red Sismológica Nacional, RSN), which includes over 65 permanent, real-time broadband and strong-motion stations distributed throughout the country, along with more than 297 offline strong-motion instruments and a network of 130 Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) stations. It also maintains 12 seismometer monitoring stations along the San Ramón Fault. Real-time broadband data are publicly available through the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology Data Management Center (IRIS-DMC). The CSN also publishes a historical seismic catalogue covering events from 1982 onward.

Access and Usage

The CSN provides free, open access to seismic data through its official website at csn.uchile.cl and through the IRIS-DMC under networks C and C1. Strong-motion data for recorded accelerations above specified thresholds are also available via the CSN webpage. The center offers a mobile application, "Sismos CSN," for public earthquake reporting and intensity assessment. Researchers, government agencies, and the general public can access event catalogues, waveform data, and near-real-time earthquake information.

Role and Mission

As the official technical body responsible for monitoring seismic activity across Chile, the CSN delivers quality seismological data to ONEMI, the Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service of the Navy (SHOA), and other government authorities. The CSN also collaborates with the scientific community internationally and contributes to earthquake hazard assessment and tsunami warning systems.