MiniSEED is a compact, waveform-only binary format widely used in seismology for efficient storage and real-time streaming of seismic time-series data.

Theory

What is MiniSEED?

MiniSEED is a compact, binary, waveform-only version of the SEED format used mainly in seismology, especially for recording:

• Earthquake data
• Passive seismic monitoring
• Microseismicity
• Permanent broadband networks
• Temporary seismic stations

It contains only the time-series waveform data and essential header fields.

Key Features of MiniSEED

1. Waveform-only format

Unlike full SEED (which includes metadata, responses, station details), MiniSEED stores only the seismic trace data.

2. Very compact and efficient

Designed for:

• High-frequency continuous recording
• Long-term network data storage
• Fast transmission over networks (SeedLink)

3. Fixed-size records (usually 512 or 4096 bytes)

Helps in quick indexing and real-time streaming.

4. Supports multiple encoding types

Such as:

• Steim-1
• Steim-2
• Integer formats
• Float formats

Steim compression makes files small and fast.

Where MiniSEED is Used

• Microseismic monitoring in oil & gas
• Volcano/seismic arrays
• Downhole geophones
• Permanent seismic networks
• Real-time earthquake data transmission

Limitations of MiniSEED

• No metadata such as:

These are stored separately in:

• Dataless SEED
• StationXML
• RESP files

Typical MiniSEED Structure

A MiniSEED record includes:

• FDSN header (network, station, channel, start time, sample rate)
• Data blockette info
• Binary waveform samples (compressed or uncompressed)

Input data

Input data should be provided in the Parameters tab.

Parameters

Input file name

- provide full path and file name of the input data

Settings

Skip

- By default, FALSE(Unchecked). This option helps to bypass the module from the workflow.

Output data

Output gather

- generates the output gather.

Information

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Examples

Actions

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Video lesson

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Related articles

Yilmaz. O., 1987, Seismic data processing: Society of Exploration Geophysicist

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