The Kövesligethy Radó Seismological Observatory has been established to monitor earthquake activity in Hungary and neighbouring areas, to study earthquakes and related phenomena, and to investigate the earth's structure.
To realize these objectives, the main actions of the observatory consist of
Operating the Hungarian National Seismological Network, which is part of the international earthquake monitoring system.
Regularly providing earthquake data for seismological services of other countries as well as for international data centers.
Determining the origin time, location, magnitude, and other characteristics of the observed earthquakes.
Collecting information concerning the effects of local earthquakes by means of a public inquiry through our website
Gathering, organizing and archiving the obtained earthquake data.
Publishing observational data in earthquake bulletins.
Initiation and implementation of national and international research projects in the field of seismology.
Informing the media and public, especially on the occasion of particular seismic events.
The main areas of scientific research at the observatory are the following:
Seismicity of the Carpathian Basin and its surroundings.
Synthesis of historical and contemporary earthquakes in a comprehensive catalog.
Determination of the crustal and upper mantle structure beneath Hungary and its surroundings, studying the structure of the earth's interior.
Seismic hazard and earthquake risk assessment.
Determination of earthquake source parameters and earthquake source mechanisms in order to better understand recent tectonic processes in the region.
Spectral analysis of earthquakes.
Theory of elastic wave propagation, seismic tomography.
Geodynamic processes and their relationship to seismicity.
Detection and identification of infrasound signals to discriminate between natural and anthropogenic sources
The observatory's researchers provide regular assistance in relation to earthquake risk and seismic events felt in the country. They maintain a continuous, twenty-four-hour call service, which can be reached at any time by calling the observatory's telephone number (+36-1-2482300).