NEW Magnitude 5.2 Black Sea August 05,2009 

Magnitude 5.3 Vrancea April 25,2009  (25 Aprilie 2009 Vrancea, Magnitudine 5.3)

National Institute of Research and Development for Earth Physics

   The National Institute of Research and Development for Earth Physics (NIEP) is an organisation for research and development in Earth sciences established in 1977, co-ordinated by the Romanian Ministry for Education and Research. It is mainly financed by contracts from public sources. Structure of the NIEP is 5 departments, 36 researchers, 21 technical people and 10 PhD students.

   As main task, NIEP carries out the seismic survey of Romania and operates the national seismic network. It has a wide background in Earth sciences research, with focus on seismic source and seismotectonics, seismic hazard assessment, site effects and microzonation, lithosphere structure and dynamics, earthquake prediction, assessment and mitigation of seismic risk. Also, NIEP has long experience in regional and global seismic studies and ensures Romania?s technical contribution to global seismological monitoring in support of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).
Given its demanding operational mission, key objective of NIEP is the development of an advanced seismic data collection and management system, including robust real-time data acquisition techniques, reliable communications links, rapid processing and exchange of earthquake information, creating and handling of large data sets, compilation of bulletins and earthquake catalogues.