This observatory will serve as seismological and gravimetrical base in Austria. Within the observatory, one 50 m deep borehole and three 100 m deep boreholes have been prepared which can be used for comparing geophysical instruments under extremely well controlled conditions. The Seismological Service of Austria conducts historical earthquake research, evaluates recent earthquakes on a routine basis, updates the earthquake catalogue of Austria, determines the earthquake hazard for large dam constructions in Austria and provides hazard maps for the Austrian Building Code. The first digital short-period seismic stations were installed around Innsbruck in Tyrol in 1989. All stations are directly linked with the data processing center in Vienna.
Data are therefore immediately available for further evaluations.
Preparations are currently under way to extend the existing seismic network even further. The first strong-motion sensor was installed in Vienna in 1992. Up until 1999 eighteen sensors have been in operation in Austria. It is planned to install additional strong-motion stations to improve the coverage of the most seismically active regions. In the year 2001, the ZAMG commemorates its 150th anniversary.