A method of event-based power management for seismic sensors is disclosed. The method comprises measuring seismic activity with a seismic sensor and comparing the measured seismic activity from the seismic sensor against at least one criteria. When the measured seismic activity does not satisfy the at least one criteria, a signal processing circuit is maintained in a deactivated state. When the measured seismic activity satisfies the at least one criteria, the signal processing circuit is activated to analyze the measured seismic activity. The signal processing circuit enters a functional mode based on analyzing the measured seismic activity.