MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- A program run by the National Science Foundation will deploy as many as 14 seismic monitoring devices in West Virginia this summer.

The EarthScope program will then gather data for two years.

Geologist Ron McDowell of the West Virginia Geologic and Economic Survey says it's part of a larger project to study earthquakes, volcanic activity, fluids in the earth's crust and more.

He says EarthScope is looking for landowners willing to participate.

McDowell tells West Virginia Public Broadcasting the devices require little maintenance other than an occasional battery change.

EarthScope is responsible for security and operation, and assumes liability for damaged or stolen equipment. It also gives the landowners updates and sample recordings from their stations.

Two devices may remain in the state permanently once the project is complete.