MiniSEED is a compact, waveform-only binary format widely used in seismology for efficient storage and real-time streaming of seismic time-series data.
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:
oCoordinates
oInstrument response
oNetwork/station setup
oCalibration information
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 should be provided in the Parameters tab.
Input file name - provide full path and file name of the input data
Skip - By default, FALSE(Unchecked). This option helps to bypass the module from the workflow.
Output gather - generates the output gather.
There is no information available for this module so the user can ignore it.
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YouTube video lesson, click here to open [VIDEO IN PROCESS...]
Yilmaz. O., 1987, Seismic data processing: Society of Exploration Geophysicist
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