Superconducting gravimeter observation for identifying slow slip events at Ryukyu Trench

Analysis of the data from the dense GPS network of Japan (GEONET) revealed quasi-periodic occurrences of long-term slow slip events at the Ryukyu Trench (Heki and Kataoka, 2008). The recurrence period of the events is about half a year, much shorter than typically found in other regions where slow slips are known to take place. Therefore, this region provides an interesting field for investigating the nature of slow slip events. In February 2012, we started gravity observation using a superconducting gravimeter (SG) at the VERA Ishigakijima Station, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan. The Ishigakijima island is located slightly east off the presumed fault area of the slow slip events. Our purpose is to detect gravity changes associated with the slow slip events by making full use of the high resolution of the SG. Of particular interest is the possible effect of water on the slow slip events, which might be identified from gravity observations. In addition to the SG, we installed an FG5 absolute gravimeter at the Iriomotejima island, located about 10 km west of the Ishigakijima island. The SG used in this study (serial number CT36) is the one which was in operation at the Inuyama Seismological Observatory, Nagoya University for about ten years. Before moving it to Ishigakijima, we made a thorough examination of the instruments. Because we found a serious problem in transferring liquid helium because of the ice inside, we warmed up the Dewar to initialize it. This not only solved the ice problem but also resulted in a significant decrease of the heater power for the gravity sensor. As of this writing, we have about six months worth of data from the SG. The condition of the gravimeter is good except for the first month when temperature control was unstable. Because of the ground vibrations caused by the movement of the 20-m VLBI antenna (about 30 m apart from the SG), the noise level is significantly enhanced compared with other domestic SG stations. Also we are aware of the strong effect of groundwater on gravity, which is yet to be modeled. According to the GPS observations, the most recent slow slip event appears to have taken place from May through June this year. We will present our first results on the tidal analysis of the SG data, characterization of the gravity spectra, and hopefully identification of the signals associated with slow slip event.