Fiber optic cables traversing the bottom of the oceans can provide early warnings for earthquakes through dense, low-cost arrays. Here are the details…
Did you know that fiber optic cables, which are the core components of our modern communication networks, can be more useful than we thought? Beyond serving as conduits for high-speed internet and data transmission, these cables are now being explored for use as natural earthquake detectors as well.
Fiber optic cables can not only detect earthquakes but also capture the details of seismic events.
A new study from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has revealed that fiber optic cables can not only detect earthquakes but also capture the intricate details of seismic events.
In the new study, Caltech researchers showed that these cables can do more than just detect earthquakes. Using a 100-kilometer segment of fiber-optic cable, the researchers accurately determined the timing and locations of four minor seismic events within a larger magnitude 6 earthquake.
The technique used by the researchers is called distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), and this method was previously used to protect pipelines and electrical cables from defects. DAS measures the intensity of the signals reflected back from defects in the fiber by sending pulses of laser light through optical fibers.
This method allows detecting even slight fiber stretching or shrinkage caused by seismic activity. By analyzing the return time of these pulses, the researchers are able to determine exactly when and where a disturbance occurs along the cable length.
The potential of fiber optic cables for seismic monitoring is huge. Conventional seismometers are costly to install and maintain. On the contrary, fiber optic cables are already available to cover large areas.
Using these networks, researchers can create a comprehensive, low-cost seismic sensor network for early earthquake warning systems. However, technical complexities such as processing and storing the large volumes of data produced by a dense seismic array also need to be overcome.
The results of the study extend beyond earthquake detection; could fundamentally change seismic research. By transforming existing optical cables into seismic arrays, researchers can gain access to unprecedented levels of seismic data. This wealth of information can provide a better understanding of earthquakes and potentially help develop more effective early warning systems.
However, here, of course, telecommunications companies also need to provide fiber optic cables as an investment for scientists. What are you thinking? Please do not forget to share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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