Detection of acoustic wave generated by Baganuur mining explosion

Abstract

We analyzed all available recorded infrasound data and determined the station detection capability in Mongolia. While in the winter times, we continuously detect acoustic signals from blasts at the Baganuur open-pit mine (150 km from infrasound I34MN station), which we rarely registered during the summer times. A previous study has shown that the noise level increased by 5 dB - 10 dB in the summer, which affected the detection capability of the stations. On the other hand, this could be connected to infrasound propagation model difference between winter and summer times. To verify this phenomenon, we installed a new infrasound IBHM station in a forest area at a distance of 350 km from the Baganuur mine area. When we compared the background noise level of the two stations, the noise level at the temporary station was lower than the permanent one, which allowed us to compare winter and summer time registered infra wave characteristics. With the comparison observed and modeled, apparent velocity suggested that winter and summer time detection difference could be due to the propagation model of infrasound wave itself.