There was a “burp” within the sinkhole this morning as well as a slough in on the east side (of which measurements are not yet available). Water in the sinkhole continues to move which is an indication that this event is not over.
The installation of the seismic equipment and implementation of the code system are essential in indicating that events like this will happen before they actually do. Over the last three days, the seismic equipment used in the monitoring process showed signs that prompted officials to heighten the code level in the sinkhole to Code 3 (explanation below). Dr. Horton and Dr. Hecox, both diligently observing the monitoring process, were able to raise the code level in prediction of such an event as this.
Code 1: Minimal to no seismic activity around/below sinkhole; 10 or fewer of the sharp seismic signals associated with rock movement, called mini-earthquakes (MEQs) or the longer signals associated with gas or liquid movement, called Very Long Periods (VLPs) within 24-hour period; allows work on sinkhole and inside berm area to continue
Code 2: Restricts work directly on the sinkhole, indicates some increased seismic activity around/below sinkhole but not at a level that indicates imminent threat of sloughing or movement below sinkhole (10 to 50 MEQs or VLPs in 24 hours)
Code 3: Restricts all work inside the containment berm, indicates seismic activity has elevated to a point similar to what has been seen in past monitoring prior to a sloughing on the shore or movement beneath sinkhole (More than 50 MEQs or VLPs in 24 hours)
